European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC)
Training Seminar for International Electoral Observers
Monastery of San Nicolò, Venice Lido (Italy)
Module I: 17-19 November 2014
Module II: 20-22 November 2014
Deadlines for application: 15 september 2014 (Module I) and 15 October 2014 (Module II)

Open and legitimate elections are the indispensable foundation for sustainable development and an effective democracy and actions supporting the right to participate in genuine elections can play a major role in sustaining peace, security and conflict prevention. Support takes the form of electoral assistance projects and election observation missions. This requires skilled and trained observers.

The aim of the EIUC Training Seminar for International Electoral Observers is to introduce civilian staff to the profession of election observers and to deliver a complete theoretical and practical basic course to those willing to consider election observation as a possible professional step in their career.

The training seminars for International Electoral Observers have been granted the patronage of the Italian, the Spanish and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Module I
17-19 November 2014

The first module will highlight the quantitative observation of the STOs. Starting with a thorough introduction on the international observation theory and legal standards the first module will analyse the practical life of a short term observer from the selection procedure to the end of mission including the observation of the polls, the filling of the forms, the reporting system and the code of the conduct. The methodology will combine frontal lecturers in plenary, working groups as well as role plays, discussions and simulation exercises.

Module II
20-22 November 2014

The second module is principally intended as a complementary step for those participants who have already attended the first module or the 2012 edition of EIUC training for international observers. EIUC will nevertheless also accept candidatures from first time applicants to EIUC’s trainings seminars. The second module will introduce the participants to the long-term election observation by analysing in depth some of the aspects related to an international observation mission such as working relations, interviewing techniques, media and security.

The full programme, information on the lecturers, fees, admission requirements etc. can be found on the EIUC website.