Venice, Italy

Training for International Electoral Observers

The course will introduce the participants to international election observation, history of electoral observation, international legal standards, observation methodology and missions functioning.

The course will analyse the practical life of a short term observer from the selection procedure to the end of the mission including the observation of the polls, the filling of the forms, the reporting system and the code of conduct, working relations and with a particular focus on new technologies, media monitoring and campaign financing in the election processes.

Group works, case studies and live debates will actively engage the participants who will look closely into all different steps of an electoral observation mission, from the exploratory phase to selection procedures through its internal functioning, the relations with national authorities, including the electoral management bodies and local stakeholders.

Course leader

The course is coordinated by Demetrio Lazagna together with a group of election experts, whose competence will ensure academic quality and consistency of instruction and will provide guidance in identifying and responding to participants’ needs.

Target group

The course addresses all participants who are interested in deepening their knowledge on the functioning of an electoral observation mission from a multi-disciplinary approach. It is specifically aimed at training civilian staff in election observation missions at the start of their career (i.e. short term observers). Participation to the course also provides thorough knowledge of international legal standards, observation methodology and missions functioning that might be of interest to political experts, analysts, journalists, consultants and researchers.

Course aim

The aim of the course is to deepen theoretical and practical expertise on international election observation by providing participants with knowledge and practical skills that are applicable to the daily functioning of election observation missions, an asset in case of further applications as international observers. Knowledge of international standards, methodology and best practices will also be essential for those interested in developing and training a network of domestic observers.

Fee info

EUR 1220: Places are limited (class of a maximum of 25 participants) to facilitate networking among peers and maximise opportunities to directly ask questions to and receive feedback from the experts. Applications will be reviewed through a selection process on a first come, first served basis.
EUR 1098: A 10% discount on the fee is foreseen for Global Campus Alumni.