Election observation training in Chad

Supporting domestic election observer groups

In a country like Chad which is plagued by intractable violence and political instability, domestic election observer groups act as impartial witnesses to help prevent conflict. Well trained, professional and non partisan domestic observers ensure transparency and increase the credibility of future elections.

EISA assists civil society organisations in Chad with planning, coordinating and deploying election observer missions. The organisation also provides training for long and short term domestic observers all over the country. Helping build sustainable election observer networks and coalitions is an important aspect of EISA's support so that increasingly, these groups develop a common approach to election observation, resource sharing and mutual support in carrying out their activities.

This is the first programme of its kind to be undertaken in this region of the continent. Here, the capacity of civil society organisations is still weak, particularly around involvement in the electoral process. EISA is laying the ground for a long term intervention strategy. It aims to build local capacity and address the most pressing needs for assistance from countries without a long tradition of competitive elections. This is in line with EISA's vision of an African continent where democratic governance, human rights and citizen participation are upheld in a peaceful environment.

For more on this project, please contact Lucien Toulou, Head of Project & EISA country Representative.