Engaging Election Observers GEO Conference - Gaborone, Botswana 7-9 March Malgorzata WASILEWSKA Head of Unit Democracy and Election Observation European External Action Service

Election Observation: a Professional Undertaking International electoral observation has evolved significantly the end of 80s and 90s when they were mixed with electoral assistance element. Modern international election observation provides an accurate, comprehensive and systematic analysis of the legal framework that governs elections in any country that request this form of assistance. This approach is reflected in the Declaration of Principles that was endorsed in 2005 in New York under the auspices of UNEAD. This is reflected in the DoP now endorsed by more than 40 organisations worldwide   The changes occurred in the manner election observation is conducted are also related to the acknowledgement that election day is only a small component in an electoral process that begins much before and end ends much later than it. The purpose is to identify how national legislation adheres to the international commitments for democratic elections and verify this legislation is practically implemented in occasion of the holding of elections. 1

Observation and Development The overall purpose of electoral observation and electoral assistance is the same: help the partner country’s authorities to conduct elections in accordance with the obligations for democratic elections they have adhered to. In this new perspective, EMBs have a lot to gain from a more open approach to observation: mitigation of conflicts, fraud prevention, increased confidence among stakeholders are the most obvious aspects A fruitful collaboration between EMBs and observation groups can turn into a capacity building instrument in the post electoral period With the understanding that the observation of Election Day is not in itself a meaningful reflection of the complexity of the entire election process, a different and more professional way to conduct observation missions have emerged. MEETING OF HEADS OF DELEGATION AND CHARGES D’AFFAIRE 2

The EU EOM system Since 2000 we moved away from observation focused on E-day and we try to focus on the process itself on the long term Election observation is the political complement tool to electoral assistance and both are offered in a spirit of partnership and cooperation with the partner countries. Both were jointly rationalized in the 2000 Communication on Election Assistance and Observation in line with the DoP Observation is an instrument, in a larger democracy assistance toolbox, for deepening democracy in the partner countries This is reflected in the DoP now endorsed by more than 40 organisations worldwide   The changes occurred in the manner election observation is conducted are also related to the acknowledgement that election day is only a small component in an electoral process that begins much before and end ends much later than it. The purpose is to identify how national legislation adheres to the international commitments for democratic elections and verify this legislation is practically implemented in occasion of the holding of elections. 1

In the Pre-Electoral Period An open policy towards observation groups often helps the EMBs to prevent likely problems from emerging Interaction may provide EMB with valuable feedback from an external perspective on their key activities and communication system An open policy from EMBs side also generates support and goodwill towards EMB policies and practices from observers and in turn other stakeholders, enhancing the EMB credibility hence voter’s confidence. EMB’s should not be perceived as Ivory Tower and excluding the other main stakeholders in the preparation of elections Observer group, most often domestic ones, can assist EMBs by providing ongoing feedback on the implementation of election procedures nationwide, as well as recommendations to improve the election process. If the domestic observer group is conducting long-term observation, then it is useful to issue interim reports and discuss them with election officials prior to Election Day so that any identified problems may be remedied. MEETING OF HEADS OF DELEGATION AND CHARGES D’AFFAIRE 3

In the Post-Electoral Period In case of non acceptance of election results, observers thanks to their neutrality can play a crucial role in generating consensus on the real outcome Most and foremost, observers’ recommendations can play a crucial role in the democratic reform agenda in the post electoral period . The EU in particular, is keen on supporting projects that are nationally owned and can support EMBs directly now Observers’ reports could also trigger EMB internal evaluations that are needed to improve EMB’s capacity. Observers can become crucial for EMB’s in a highly polarized society where there is a need for an independent voice to generate consensus among political players on the rule of electoral game including the acceptation of election results. If you need concrete example on the last point: workshop on recommendations in Mozambique in 2009 is a very relevant and successful example MEETING OF HEADS OF DELEGATION AND CHARGES D’AFFAIRE 4