This paper shows that Western election observers apply a ‘double standard’ to elections in sub-Saharan Africa, then seeks to explain why they do so. It demonstrates that although the verdicts of Western election observers have become more responsive to electoral quality over time, they remain less likely to allege that significant fraud has occurred in an election in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to an election of the same quality held elsewhere. Prior to 2005, this was largely because of ‘progress bias,’ a tendency to tolerate flawed elections in light of movement towards democracy. From 2005, the double standard is more difficult to explain. There are signs it may be due to ‘subtlety bias’ – a tendency to overlook less blatant electoral misconduct. Perceptions about the severity of electoral violence in sub-Saharan Africa may also play a role. This should concern researchers given the overrepresentation of that region in studies of electoral violence.