Lesotho: The importance of drawing election observers from civil society

Rindai Chipfunde 2002, Presented at EISA Seminar on the 'Role of Election Observers in the SADC Region', May 8.

What is an election?

Elections are an important part of any civilised society and they have a direct influence on how any nation performs in all aspects of human existence.

Elections demonstrate that political power is derived from the people that politicians must account for their actions. It is important that the whole electoral process is carried out in a way satisfactory to a large extent to all concerned.

Elections are a competitive process between personalities (as in presidential elections), political parties and opinions; and like all competitive activities there is need to monitor as well as observe if the competitions are being held according to the laid out rules and regulations and that the general atmosphere is conducive to competition. However there is a difference between election monitoring and election observation. It is important that the difference between the two is understood.

What is Election Monitoring and Observation?

It is the scrutiny and assessment of an election for purposes of determining its impartiality in terms of organisation and administration. It also includes an assessment of the process and actual formulation of the electoral law and the role of the electoral officials, security forces and politicians. It is ongoing, organised action which is impartial and non partisan, and aimed at ensuring adherence to the ethics, laws, regulations and codes of conduct governing the electoral process as well as universally accepted principles; where necessary rectify any irregularities together with responsible officers.

What is Election Observation?

Observing has been described as noting and reporting matters of concern to internal or external authority. The stationing of independent missions, officials or individuals representing international or local organisations for specified time, in a country which is in the process of organising a national election with a mandate to closely observe and pronounce on the entire process and outcome. The officials and individuals are referred to as International Observers.

The major difference between election monitoring and election observation is that the election monitoring involves local organisations and individuals (in the case of this manual) drawn from civil society organisations (hence sometimes referred to as civil society monitoring) while election observation mostly involves foreign organisations and individuals. The other difference is that election monitoring is on going, that is, it starts months and some times years before the actual election and continues into the next election. Election observing is for a short time, usually two weeks before an election and a week or two after.

Purpose of Election Observation

Election monitoring is an important part of any electoral process as it encourages an election process that is fair and free from fraud or intimidation, and which the voters believe is legitimate. Specifically observing can serve the following purposes:

• To assess the electoral process by measuring the relative freeness and fairness of elections according to widely accepted international standards.
• To establish whether electoral laws are clearly defined and meet basic international standards.
• To establish whether these laws are understood by election officials, political contestants and the public and are not manipulated by any of the stakeholders.
• To deter electoral law violations and monitors can report and if possible rectify any irregularities.
• It gives sense of confidence and security to the electorate and the public during the election period.
• Observers may serve as mediators and contribute to peaceful conflict resolution by assisting disputants to find a mutually acceptable settlement. This helps reduce levels of violence, intimidation, fear and political tension.
• It improves the conditions for free and fair elections by promoting learning from accumulated experience.
• The observer's assessment of the process can assist in the development of adequate electoral laws and procedures through electoral reform.
• Can lead to an increase in government electoral budgets and cross-country exchanges, all of which may bring about the improvement of future electoral processes.
• It enhances democracy and the electoral process by voter education, voter registration and civic education, which may bring about the improvement of future electoral processes.
• To contribute to peaceful conflict resolution: Monitoring voter education, in particular, helps historically disadvantaged groups in the society to improve their understanding of the electoral process and assist in breaking cultural shackles which have traditionally excluded the marginalised from their rightful participation in the electoral process.
• It also assists in breaking cultural shackles which have traditionally excluded the marginalised from their rightful participation in the electoral process.