Handbook for European Union Election Observation

It is designed primarily for use by European Union (EU) election observers, both new and experienced. In addition, it is hoped that the handbook can contribute to the existing knowledge of work about election observation and its role in the field of human rights and democratisation. In this regard, the handbook may also be used by representatives of host governments, civil society activists, especially domestic observers, election administrators, politicians, and other international bodies involved in election observation.

The EU election observation methodology ensures that information on the conduct of an election and other indicators of the wider democratic environment are gathered systematically by an EU EOM. The use of international standards for elections, as established in universal instruments, as well as, best practice for democratic elections, ensures that information gathered is assessed through a standard approach that is relevant to all countries. Assessment of an election does not involve comparis on between individual countries. Safeguards are provided against subjective or part isan assessments of the election process.

The assessment work of an EU EOM is undertaken through the direct observation of electoral events by EU observers and analysis of information obtained from relevant documents and meetings with a broad range of national and regional election stakeholders

EU election observation methodology comprehensively focuses on all aspects and stages of an election process (see Section Four). In their reports, EU EOMs will cover the following twelve areas of assessment:

(i) political context
(ii) legal framework
(including electoral system)
(iii) election administration
(iv) voter registration
(v) party and candidate registration
(vi) election campaign
(vii) media
(viii) complaints and appeals
(ix) human rights (including participation of women and minorities)
(x) role of civil society
(xi) election day
(xii) results and the post-election environment

International standards for elections stem from political rights and fundamental freedoms which are enshrined in universal and regional instruments.These instruments establish legal and political commitments to meet specific standards in relation to elections. EU observers assess an election process in terms of compliance with international standards for elections. These standards relate to the following:

• the right and opportunity, without any distinction or unreasonable restrictions, for citizens to participate in government and public affairs through:
– periodic elections,
– genuine elections,
– universal suffrage,
– equal suffrage,
– the right to stand for election,
– the right to vote,
– the right to a secret ballot,
– the free expression of the will of voters;
• the freedom of expression;
• the freedom of association;
• the freedom of assembly;
• the freedom of movement;
• the freedom from discrimination; and
• the right to an effective legal remedy.

The methodology is designed to be sensitive to different kind of discrimination that may take place with regards to the holding of elections.

Free Expression of Will
• Where citizens participate in the conduct of public affairs through freely chosen representatives, those representatives are able to exercise governmental power and are
accountable through the electoral process for the exercise of that power.

http://www.needs-network.org/publications.html

The framework is very actionable, detailing where there are shortcomings in order to facilitate policy interventions.

The assessment framework is coomplimentary, and looks both at the legal context and the supply and management of the elections, as well as the actual implementation.