Election Observation Training

ZIF regularly conducts Election Observation courses for short-term observers (STO) and long-term observers (LTO) for missions by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union (EU). The courses aim at providing participants with the background and skills required for assignments in international election observation missions.

The methodology of the Election Observation courses is participatory and includes case studies, scenarios, simulations, role plays and interactive exercises. All trainers have extensive practical experience in election observation, and observers from previous EU and OSCE missions serve as resource persons throughout the course. Moreover, the methodology encourages the creation of new knowledge and skills through the interaction that takes place between participants with diverse experience, professional skills, and national backgrounds.

The long-term election observation course includes a security module which aims at raising awareness of personal security issues and challenges related to working in crisis and post-conflict environments in combination with a 4x4 driving training. These modules are conducted in close cooperation with German Police Academies and the German Armed Forces.

Completion of a ZIF Election Observation course followed by a positive assessment by the ZIF Training and Human Resources units, leads to the admission to the expert pool for election observers. Since ZIF is the Election Observation Mission (EOM) focal point for Germany, please note that only members of this pool will be eligible for nomination by ZIF to participate in an election observation mission conducted by OSCE or the EU. Members of the ZIF expert pool for election observers do not automatically become eligible for secondment to peace operations.

Training Modules Short Term Election Observation:

• Introduction of Main International Actors (OSCE, EU and UN) and their Involvement in Democratisation Activities and Election Observation Missions
• Election Observation, Supervision and Implementation
• International Election Standards
• Case Studies of Election Observation Missions
• Experiences of Short- and Long-term Observers
• Mission Readiness and Personal Motivation
• Code of Conduct
• German Participation in Election Observation Missions
• Security Aspects
• Information on National Recruitment Procedures for German Nationals

Training Modules Long Term Election Observation:

• International Actors and Democratization Support (UN, EU, OSCE)
• International Standards and the Electoral Cycle
• Electronic Voting
• Context of Long-Term Election Observation Missions
• Working Relationship between Core Team, LTOs and STOs
• Working with National Staff
• Code of Conduct
• LTO and STO Reporting: Formats and Responsibilities
• Working in a Challenging Mission Environment
• 4x4 Driving Exercises
• Security in Election Observation Missions

For more information on the Election Observation Courses, including training dates, course fees and application process, please consult the ZIF Training Course Overview.