Observers Reports
A considered view of the election process is preferable to an initial conclusion reached in haste.
There is a great deal of pressure on election observation teams to issue reports and validation
within hours of the close of the poll and it has been interesting to observe the number of
occasions when observer groups have reported and (most of their number) left the country
concerned before the completion of the collation of all of the results.
Pressure to report quickly is understandable because of demands from the candidates, parties,
media and international organisations and it is often possible to draw broad conclusions very
quickly. However, it is equally important to ensure that there is sufficient scope to qualify these
conclusions if additional information becomes available in the days following polling.
An interim statement shortly after polling but before a structured analysis of the overall position
may re-assure the public.
Quick Counts
Election observation now often includes organising quick counts, i.e. summaries of results from
particular areas selected on a scientific basis to give a statistically reliable prediction of the result
well ahead of it being officially published. This process can be useful where there is a difficult
political situation and the participants might benefit from some advance independent advice as to
the likely election outcome. Some reservations are expressed by observers as to whether this
quick count process impinges on state sovereignty.
A parallel count by observers with a tally of results can be used to check the official results on a
sample basis.
Complaints and mediation
In the period after the election, there may well be complaints made about aspects of the election
process and observation groups may be asked for a view on these or even get drawn into disputes
as to what action should be taken. The extent to which observer groups should get drawn into
this process needs careful consideration and clear guidance at a senior level. There is no
prescriptive guidance that can properly be issued, as each circumstance requires consideration on
its merits and taking account of the electoral law or electoral commission guidance as to what
line should be taken.
Election Observation Conclusions
The quality of election observation activity has greatly improved and in more and more cases the
observation activity is well planned and targeted at the particular issues or problems which have
been identified from previous electoral activity or which have resulted from a political situation.
There are very few, if any, countries which have not been the subject of some electoral
observation activity. There is very little point in limited and superficial election observation but
low cost operations targeted at certain previously identified issues can have value.
Election observation needs to be put into the context of the wider relationships and activities
between nations - simply watching the polling process and issuing judgements on it will be of
little benefit. Observation work must be targeted, professional and continuing with regular
feedback and exchange of views. Enhancing the role of domestic observers and providing them
with technical assistance and advice may well be the most cost effective and produce the best
results in the long term. Because they are on site, familiar with issues and long term the domestic
observer groups are often in a better position to monitor detailed parts of the electoral process
than international ones.
For further information see Management of Observation and Observation Reports
