Election Observation

Topic IndexConditions for International Observation

While more than 100 national elections take place worldwide each year, not all are ripe for observation.[i] Observation organizations must invest resources where they are most valuable -- usually not in established democracies or clearly authoritarian contexts -- and weigh practical concerns such as availability of funding and the security of those they deploy. Most importantly, however, specific conditions for observation, spelled out in the Declaration of Principles, should be met for observers to conduct their work “effectively and credibly.” The absence of any of these conditions may serve as justification for a mission’s withdrawal. They include:

Invitation. The relevant government authority, usually the electoral management body (EMB) or ministry of foreign affairs, must issue an official invitation to the observer group(s) sufficiently in advance of an electoral event so as to allow observers access to important parts of the process ahead of polling. An invitation demonstrates good will on the part of the host government and indicates responsibility to fulfill the other conditions. Most observer organizations also view the acceptance of their engagement from stakeholders across the political spectrum as important.
Unimpeded access to electoral processes and technologies. Observers must have access to all phases of the electoral process (including pre- and post-election) and to all technologies used, including electronic registration and voting, as well as to the certification processes for these technologies. Electoral authorities must not require observers to sign nondisclosure agreements regarding technologies used.
Unimpeded access to stakeholders. A comprehensive and impartial assessment requires that observers be able to speak with government supporters and critics of all kinds, including electoral officials at all levels, legislators, relevant government and security officials, political parties, candidates (qualified and disqualified), media, and civil society. In the case of election officials and other government authorities, meetings should be granted upon “reasonable request.”
Freedom of movement. Security conditions must be carefully considered. Observers must not be banned from observing in or traveling to any part of the country as limits on observers’ movement preclude missions from knowing if findings are representative and can give the appearance of manipulation.
Freedom to issue reports. Observer missions must not be prevented from releasing statements or reports, no matter how critical their findings. As reports are the primary vehicle for providing information about electoral processes, the right to make them public, in full and uncensored, is a pre-condition of credible and effective observation.
Absence of interference in mission composition. Governmental authorities must guarantee that they will not attempt to influence the outcome of a mission by limiting its size or interfering in the selection of observers.
Accreditation. As long as election observation missions (EOMs) comply with reasonable and non-discriminatory requirements for observers, government authorities must ensure full, nationwide accreditation for all those submitted. Accreditation entails the issuance of any identification document needed to conduct observation. Observers should receive their accreditation in sufficient time to observe all relevant parts of the process.
Absence of interference in observation. Broadly, government authorities should not interfere with EOM activities. Access to the electoral process is of limited value if observers are pressured, antagonized, or forced to adapt to unreasonable requirements.
Protection of interlocutors. Authorities must not intimidate or punish anyone who works for, cooperates with, or shares information with an EOM.[ii]

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between a host government and observer group can help solidify mutual understanding of these principles. A clear enumeration of government assurances and observer responsibilities may be necessary especially in countries that are hosting international observers for the first time. Although observation has spread across all continents, transitional regimes still may wish to maintain more influence over a mission’s activities than agreed upon principles allow.

International election observation in the interest of promoting genuine democratic elections ultimately should strive to make itself unnecessary. For the foreseeable future, however, international observation will continue to play an important role. One observed election that upholds a country’s international commitments does not consolidate democratic governance; backsliding to authoritarianism, with or without elections, is not uncommon. Observers must continue to innovate in order to meet the challenges brought by the emergence of new issues and the evolving use of technology. In addition, international election observers must maximize the mutual benefits of working side-by-side with citizen observers.

[i] “IFES Election Guide,” IFES, accessed July 15, 2014, http://www.electionguide.org.

[ii] U.N., Declaration of Principles, para. 12.

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Election Observation