Election Monitoring, Theory and Practice

Course description and benefits

This course covers both the theory and practice of election monitoring why it is important and how to carry it out. Participants will learn about the international and regional instruments governing election monitoring missions. They will learn about different approaches to election monitoring, and the benefits and disadvantages of those strategies. They’ll learn about the different between short-term election monitors, and long-term election monitors. They’ll also learn how to observe at different stages of the election process, how to conduct interviews, work as a team, and write reports.

Who will benefit

• Independent election observers
• Human and civil rights activists
• Political party officials
• Journalists
• NGO executives

Course outline

This course will cover the key components of election monitoring:

• The election cycle, and key stakeholders
• International and regional instruments
• Key player and their approaches
• Structures of election observation missions
• Short-term vs long-term election observation
• Observing and reporting techniques and tools
• Safety and security
• Handling the media

Course outcomes

On completion of this course, participants will:

• Understand the importance of election monitoring.
• Understand who the key players are in election monitoring.
• Understand the stages of the election cycle, and the role of an observer during those stages.
• Understand the tools available to observers.
• Know how to write reports.

Course format

The course is a combination of classroom time and learning workshops. Classroom sessions are intensive and participative and will include a variety of approaches such as lectures, group discussions and practical exercises. A number of guest lecturers will also make presentations, aiding the overall learning experience.

Presenters

The course presenters will include top-level industry experts and practitioners

Course materials

In addition to comprehensive course notes, participants will be provided with course bags, core textbooks and a notebook.

Tea break and lunch will also be provided.