Independent observers play an important role in
maintaining electoral integrity through objective monitoring. They can assist
in legitimizing and enhancing the electoral process, building confidence—thus
increasing voter participation, improving a state’s prospects for
democratization, and reducing or preventing conflict. See ACE Electoral
Integrity Topic Area.
They also undertake essential work in observing and
reporting on electoral processes, identifying areas of concern and improving
efficiency, and increasing transparency around the electoral cycle.
Observers can belong to national or international
organizations; they can also be citizen observers. A number of civil society
groups and non-governmental organizations encourage voters to protect the
integrity of the electoral process by recording their observations and
reporting them to electoral authorities and regular observers.
In response to declining youth participation, and with
increasing use of technology in electoral observation, many organizations are
seeking to work with youth observers.
