National observation plays a very important role in helping to maintain election integrity (see Independent Observers). It detects and deters problems by acting as a check on election administration and participation by parties and candidates. It helps increase the transparency of the process and provides an impetus for improvements.
However, national observation can create integrity problems if it is not responsible or accurate. Some of the integrity issues involved with the process of national observation:
- Observing without credentials. Accreditation is an integrity mechanism (see Accrediting Observers). The application process screens the groups applying for credentials and filters out inappropriate or ineligible groups, while the credentials allow for access to otherwise off-limits electoral sites.
As long as accreditation is not used to discriminate among NGO groups, NGOs should observe within the official accreditation system. They should apply for, and receive, authorization and the credentials needed to observe. Showing up at a polling site without credentials, expecting to be admitted, can create problems for pollworkers who are usually instructed not to admit any unauthorized persons.
- Reliability of observations and judgements. The ability of domestic groups to accurately observe and objectively report on their observations varies. Some groups may not have the capacity to cover the entire process, and may generalize from having observed bits and pieces. They may also report rumour or opinion as facts.
For readers of observation reports to be able to judge the reliability of the observation findings, these reports should clearly state the number of observers, the parts of the process and the geographic locations observed. Information reported should be verified with unsubstantiated information labelled as such. As stated by IDEA, 'inaccurate or unreliable information can undermine confidence in both the electoral process and the observation process.'305
- Bias. In some societies, it is very difficult to find 'independent' observers. Partisanship or bias can taint an independent observation effort if it colours the NGO's observation and reporting. For transparency and integrity purposes, affiliations should be clearly stated in observation reports, so that readers can take this into consideration when reading the report and its conclusions. Recruiting nonpartisan observers can help avoid the problems of biassed observers sending in inaccurate or fabricated reports which the NGO could unwittingly repeat as fact.
- Standards. National observation groups may use different standards to judge an election. The purpose for observing an election usually determines the standards used. This can be an issue if the standards are inappropriate or not clearly stated in the observation reports.
- Interference with the electoral process. National observers can help the electoral process through their observation and reporting. Observers should not interfere with electoral managers doing their jobs or with voters registering or voting. Problems should be reported through the complaint process and the press can be copied. In addition, security problems witnessed should be reported immediately to the police.
