Not only in content but also in format, there are particular considerations in developing training programs for international observer groups. In addition to the issues discussed at Training for Observers, as international observers are in an environment with which they are unlikely to be familiar, particular emphasis during training is required on:
• observer administration, logistics, and communication procedures;
• basic living and survival issues, such as accommodation, food, fuel supplies, and personal and group security;
• political and cultural background to the election environment, and the system of elected representation.
These issues may well encompass at least one full day of training, and are the immediate priority on observer arrival.
Training Session Format
With regard to format, international observer groups will often include persons with different language skills and a range of expectations of training environments, from those who expect fully interactive training participation to those for whom accustomed training is little more than a series of lectures.
These differences within international groups must be recognised in developing training programs, and evaluating and providing guidance to individual participants.
There is a requirement for clarity of expression, of course, particularly in oral communication, a more deliberate training pace, a mix of culturally relevant examples, and care in the use of group participation exercises.
Effective training of international observer groups could be seen as a four-stage exercise:
• provision of observer reference manual prior to the departure from the home country (for initial core groups of long-term observers, it would also be advisable to provide some political/cultural background and relevant election system briefings at the observer groups headquarters, if the budget allows);
• provision of training on administrative issues and environment/background issues immediately upon arrival at the election observation location;
• after allowing time for absorption of this data, training on detailed election procedures;
• monitoring of information retention by observation management and provision of follow-up training, briefings, or communications as needed.
