14 September 2011 - 29 November 2011

Election observation has become a highly standardised political instrument based on international best practices. This e-learning course introduces staff members of international organisations, national agencies, and interested individuals to the international standards, organisational approaches, methods and tools of election observation. The course will give participants an insight into the framework of Election Observation Missions (EOMs) and will focus in particular on the duties of Short Term Observers (STOs) and Long Term Observers (LTOs).

Participants will learn about elections in the context of human rights treaties and universal and regional instruments, will get familiar with the electoral cycle approach and understand the difference between election observation and assistance. Further, they will get to know different organisational approaches to Election Observation (e.g. OSCE/ODIHR, EU, The Carter Center) and the importance of a Code of Conduct. Participants shall understand the structure and reporting mechanisms of EOMs and exercise their observation and reporting skills in relation to the campaign period, election day, and the consolidation of results. Last, but not least, participants will get acquainted with the evaluation system for their performance as observers.

Course outline

Week 1: International Commitments and Legal Instruments in Support of Democracy and Human Rights
Week 2: The Elections Cycle incl. The difference between Election Observation and Assistance
Week 3: Organisational Approaches and Differences (OSCE/ODIHR, EU, The Carter Center, …) incl. Regulatory Framework for Election Observation and Memorandum of Understanding
Week 4: Code of Conduct; Elections and Security
Week 5: "Open week"
Week 6: Structure of an EOM incl. Relations with Host Governmental Bodies and other Domestic actors; Duties of Long Term Observers and Short Term Observers incl. STO-LTO Relationship; Observation Timeline in the Electoral Cycle
Week 7: The Benefits and Challenges of Working in a Team; Working with local staff; How to conduct Interviews
Week 8: Pre-Election Day Observations (Electoral Administration, Political Environment, Civil Society); How to write Reports
Week 9: E-Day Observation and Reporting
Week 10: Post E-Day Reporting; Preliminary Statements and Follow-Up
Week 11: Mutual Evaluation

Level: professional

Location: Internet (e-learning course)

Participants: individuals who seek assignments as election observers, for members of international organisations and national agencies who like to develop knowledge and skills concerning election observation as well as for interested outsiders such as journalists and students who like to get an understanding of international electoral standards, the electoral cycle, and election observation missions

Tuition, fee, lodging: The course tuition fee is US$ 725; permanent residents of non-OECD countries are eligible for a discounted tuition rate of US$ 450. Tuition for auditors is US$ 275; permanent residents of non-OECD countries are eligible for a discounted tuition rate of US$ 175. There are no scholarships available for this course. Further information and application form can be found at: www.hrea.org/election-observation. Application deadline: 1 June 2011.

Contact Information:
Sandra Quintin
Distance Learning Programme
HREA
689 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139-3302
USA
Tel: +1 617 301-4379
Fax: +1 617 249-0278
E-mail: applications@hrea.org
Web: http://www.hrea.org