Electoral Integrity

3rd edition, 2012

Topic IndexNational Election Observation: Efficacy

Experience suggests that there are several prerequisites for national observation to be effective:

Proper organization. National groups need to be able to recruit and train observers and field them according to a detailed observation plan. The groups need to know where registration sites and polling stations will be, where to send observers, what reports should contain, and how and when they should report their findings. They have to be able to consolidate the information systematically, evaluate it, write it up accurately and disseminate it in timely fashion.
Credibility. National observers and their efforts should be professional—in other words, well informed, well organized, accountable and transparent. Observation should be systematic and should cover enough of the electoral process to allow an informed assessment to be made. Analysis must above all be impartial, and reports should be accurate and balanced.
Accuracy. Groups may have varying ability to accurately observe and objectively report on observations. Some groups may not have the capacity to cover the entire process, and may extrapolate from limited observations. They may also report rumour or opinion as fact. The reports should clearly state the number of observers, the steps of the process and the sites observed for readers of observation reports to be able to judge the reliability of the findings. National observers should substantiate the information they report and provide support for their findings. Inaccurate or unreliable information can undermine trust in the electoral process and the conclusions of observers.
Objectivity. Coverage and reports should be non-partisan, objective and balanced. In some societies it is very difficult to find independent observers. That is why national observation groups must be able to convince all participants in the electoral process that they are neutral. They must not only be entirely fair, but also be seen to be fair.
Adequate equipment and staff. National observation groups need adequate financial and human resources to undertake comprehensive observation, retain qualified staff, and train and equip them. Some groups rely on volunteers, but they still incur certain expenses, provide training and purchase equipment. A good communications network is essential to retrieve information from observers scattered across the country, and to convey the information to the public in an appropriate and timely manner.

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Electoral Integrity