Transportation Considerations
Basic considerations in developing and implementing transport planning for observers include:
- the geographic range of observation;
- terrain and air (and if relevant, sea or other water) conditions;
- the length of the observation period;
- the available transportation infrastructure.
Infrastructure issues that must be examined by logistics planners include:
- the extent and condition of the road system, air, and water transport services;
- availability of vehicles for rent or purchase;
- fuel availability;
- vehicle repair services;
- fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter charter availability;
- public transportation systems.
Observer deployment plans should make use of cost-effective transport arrangements. Factors to be considered include;
- the timing of arrival and assignment of observers;
- use of regional transport bases;
- the formation of observer sub-teams sharing buses or individual vehicles.
Whereas for observation in remote areas the use of air transport and off-road vehicles may be the only means of access, city-based observers may well be able to effectively use inexpensive public transportation options, depending on security considerations and service frequency. For longer-term observation projects vehicle purchase and resale, or lease, may be more cost-effective than vehicle renting.
Voting Day Transport
The heaviest demands on logistics capabilities are likely to occur on voting day, when the maximum number of available observers will need concentrated mobility and flexibility within a short time period. A major and essential focus of transportation plans needs to be on ensuring that observers can attend their assigned locations on voting day. Relevant considerations are that sufficient reliable vehicles and fuel are available, and that required hire or charter arrangements for road, air, or water transport are in place well in advance.
Transportation Logistics Plans
Transportation logistics plans will generally need to cover the following functional requirements:
- initial mustering of observers, whether from outside or within the country;
- transportation needs of administrative or headquarters staff, including field visits;
- transportation for field staff to and from training sessions and other meetings and briefings;
- deployment of observers to field stations;
- observer movement between field locations as specified in the observation plan;
- return of observers to initial assembly location;
- return of observers to their home base, within or outside the country;
- transport of computer, communications, and other equipment;
- secure cartage of observation documents and records;
- contingency plans for security emergencies, adverse weather conditions, vehicle unavailability, and potential fuel shortages (if relevant).
Transportation capabilities should be matched to the needs of staff to maintain effective observation, rather than their status. Allocation of vehicles needs to be rigorously controlled so that efficient use is made of resources. Car pooling, rather than permanent individual assignment of vehicles, should be used wherever possible. The types of vehicles assigned should match the terrain, road conditions, and climate. City-based observers will generally not need four-wheel drives. If vehicle resources are scarce, priority, in terms of numbers and reliability of vehicles, should be given to those observers operating at greater distances from the observer base.
