International election
observation has become an important mechanism for ensuring election integrity
in countries undergoing a transition to democracy or in post-conflict
societies. International observation today enjoys near-universal acceptance,
and can help raise voter confidence and evaluate the legitimacy of an electoral
process.[1] International
observation has also become a learning opportunity for national electoral
administrators and election participants. It promotes bilateral exchanges of
knowledge and information on electoral practices, sometimes leading to lasting cooperative
relations.
Usually international
observation occurs when there are concerns about the freeness or
fairness of an election. For international observation to be an effective
detector and deterrent of integrity problems, it needs to be adapted to the
type of electoral system and election it is covering. An election in a
post-conflict society requires a different kind of observation from an
election in a country adopting electoral reforms.
Decision
to Organize an International Observer Mission
Most international observers
need an invitation to take on a mission. The first question that arises is whether an
electoral process must meet certain quality standards to be observed.
Some organizations feel that an electoral process and the broader situation in-country
must meet a minimum threshold before they will send an international observer
mission. They are concerned that international
observation might be perceived as conferring legitimacy on an illegitimate
election. However, a country with an electoral process falling short of basic
requirements may actually need international observers to help identify and
deal with illegal and fraudulent practices.
Effectiveness
of International Observation
International observation should cover the entire electoral
process rather than a specific aspect, such as voting and/or counting of the
ballots to be effective in ensuring election integrity. Observers should have proper qualifications and training. One of the
most common criticisms leveled at international observation is that it has
become a form of “electoral tourism”, with observers sometimes lacking
professional experience, and arriving just a few days before the election. To
ensure that observer missions are effective and reliable, several conditions
must be met:
- Adequate time period. Observer missions
should have enough time to get organized and observe the pre-election
(such as candidate and if possible voter registration), and the post-election
phases (counting of the votes, consolidation of the results and resolution
of major disputes, if applicable).
- Adequate resources. Effective missions
require enough qualified observers and the means (communications,
transportation, interpreters) to help them perform their work properly.
- Qualified observers. To ensure that their
work has credibility, observers should be qualified and trained.
- Comprehensive coverage. Observers should
observe the electoral process as thoroughly as necessary to be able to make
a credible judgment. Most effective are large-scale checks covering the
entire electoral process, performed nationally rather than regionally, and
including all regions rather than only problem areas.
Accreditation
To be able to enter electoral
sites and undertake credible observation, international observers must be
accredited by the electoral management or policy-making body. Accreditation should permit observers to operate in accordance with
international standards for electoral observation, including assigning monitors
to engage in both stationary and mobile types of observation.
Security
Problems
In countries with security
problems, certain areas are off-limits to observers if government security
forces cannot guarantee their safety. How such restrictions affect election
integrity and the quality of observation will depend largely on how much of the
country is beyond the geographical scope of observation.
[1] International IDEA, The Future of International
Electoral Observation: Lessons Learned and Recommendations, 1999
