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.