Training for International Electoral Observers

Open and legitimate elections are the indispensable foundation for sustainable development and an effective democracy. Actions supporting the right to participate in genuine elections can play a major role in sustaining peace, security and conflict prevention. Support takes the form of electoral assistance projects and election observation missions. This requires skilled and trained observers. Selected applicants will be allowed to become aware of the role, the tasks and the status of international observers, and will be given a theoretical and practical training on election observation and election observation missions functioning.

Course leader

Demetrio Lazagna Extensive experience in international relations particularly focused on electoral Technical Assistance and Electoral Observation worldwide. After his Civil Service as Legal Assistant in an Immigration Center (91-93) and following his M

Target group

The course is devoted to those applicants with no experience in election observation or to those observers who have participated to a maximum of two missions as short term observers.

Course aim

The aim of the training seminar is to deepen the theoretical and practical expertise on election observation missions in providing participants with practical skills which will be an asset in case of further applications as international observers.
Starting with a thorough introduction on the international observation theory and legal standards, 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. The methodology will combine frontal lecturers in plenary, working groups as well as role plays, discussions and simulation exercises. Participants will also be introduced to the long-term election observation by analysing in depth some of the aspects related to an international observation mission such as working relations, interviewing techniques, media and security.