Programme

The aim of the course 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. The course will introduce the students to election observation starting with introductory remarks followed by lectures in plenum on the history of electoral observation, international legal standards, observation methodology and missions functioning.

Work groups, case studies and simulations 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, the local stakeholders and the political actors involved into the electoral cycle and security issues.

Dates: 25 -29 November 2019

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.