Training of independent observers would normally be under the control of the observer group's management.
Giving election administrators the responsibility for or control over observer training will raise questions about observer independence, and may result in a narrow training focus on election technical practices.
However, on specific election technical issues, such as political or human rights background and application of election laws and procedures, it may be appropriate to include presentations by electoral management body officials and human rights or legal groups in observer training programs.
Training Scope
Independent observer training has in some ways a broader reach than training of actual political or official participants in the election. It has to impart:
• a thorough understanding of the election system and procedures;
• the tools to undertake a critical yet positive analysis of election activities;
• an attitude of neutrality, impartiality, and non-interference in election matters;
• an effective knowledge of observation administration procedures.
For international observers, there will also be a need for cultural and political background information.
In post-conflict situations, this may include techniques for communicating with election participants who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Cost considerations may well affect the extent of observer training. In most situations, it is preferable to have fewer, reliable, and well-trained observers than to provide very limited training in order to maximise the number of observers involved. By recruiting, wherever possible, observers who already possess the basic skills and experience for election observation, training costs can be minimised
Training Plans
The extent of additional knowledge needed by independent election observers, particularly those from international organisations, usually means that it is unlikely that training can be accomplished in a one-day session. This should be considered in developing observer deployment plans.
Effective training timing and planning will depend on the scope of the observation.
For longer-term observations, training sessions on each aspect of the election process as it is about to commence will reduce information overload and maintain information relevance and freshness. In longer-term observations, core staff engaged at the commencement of the observation program will be available, with their store of experience gained, to conduct training sessions for any large numbers of observers assigned to voting and counting locations.
For most independent observation environments, the majority of observers may not be in place until very near voting day. This means that there may be insufficient time to implement more structured cascade methods of training for observers scattered in the field.
Use of mobile training teams or pre-deployment centralised training methods may be more practicable. For an effective training outcome to be achieved, consideration needs to be given to general learning principles in conducting any mass training of independent observers, including:
• restriction on training group size--fifteen participants is ideal, over thirty excessive--to allow maximum participation and evaluation of individual knowledge, or at least breaking up into small groups for interactive exercises;
• use of comfortable, effective locations and training aids;
• recognition of information absorption and overload factors;
• inclusion and encouragement of simulations, role playing, and interactive activities to stimulate learning and develop tactful, effective information-gathering techniques;
• encouragement of questions at all stages of the training.
Training Updates
Training for independent observers cannot be seen as a one-shot, static formal exercise. To get the most out of observation activities, regular training activities should be undertaken, particularly for longer-term observation programs.
These need not be formal training sessions, but could include simple exercises such as regular briefings or other communications for observers in the field to notify them of any changes in voting operations activities and any issues that have arisen that may require more intensive observation.
Training Content
For ease of training observers and continuing observer field reference, content of training is better based on a comprehensive observer manual.
Detailed training session agendas will differ for longer-term observers and those observing only voting day and the count. A sample agenda for observer training would include the following modules:
• pre-voting day distribution of any training or reference materials not yet provided to observer group;
• introduction of trainers and participants (check that all have necessary materials and arrange distribution of spares to cover deficiencies);
• purpose and objectives of training session;
• outline of session coverage, activities, and administrative arrangements;
• outline of observation organisation's nature and goals, including specific objectives of current observation program;
• observation program administration arrangements, including accommodations, payment, transport, deployment, emergencies, and the like;
• communications strategies, procedures, and responsibilities;
• personal and group security;
• political and cultural background to the election, including the nature of elected institutions;
• legal, regulatory, and administrative framework of the election system, including relevant contact points;
• election timetable;
• election procedures and practices;
• effective monitoring practices and responsibilities;
• criteria for free and fair elections;
• observer code of conduct;
• specific issues to be paid particular attention during observation;
• illustrations of particular situations of concern that may occur, including any rights of complaint or challenge;
• observer reporting responsibilities, materials, and time frames.
Throughout all modules, use of interactive exercises, simulations, and periods for questions and answers, as well as regular "stretch and re-focus" breaks, should be included. Without these, not only may interest levels wane, but evaluation of trainee's information absorption will be more difficult.
Timing and sequence of more interesting and less interesting activities should be oriented towards attention spans and the ubiquitous post-lunch attention drift.
Considerations for International Observer Groups
As members of international observer groups may not be familiar with the cultural, political, and administrative environments in the country to which they have been assigned, their training programs will generally need a broader focus than those for local observers (see International Observer Training).
