Lesotho: The importance of drawing election observers from civil society (continued)

8. To promote research and the cross-fertilisation of ideas

A national election observation organisation needs a good research unit or close ties to a University or independent think tank in order to collect and adopt good electoral practices evolved in other parts of the world.

It can also contribute to the learning process of election authorities as well as candidates and lay voters.

The national research process can be assisted through the making and strengthening of connections with other domestic observer organisations.

The commonwealth Secretariat has a list of domestic observer groups currently active who can provide advice and guidance.

9. To lobby for legislative change (where necessary)

The impact of unfair legislation on the electoral process is highly detrimental to a fair election. Domestic observer groups need to understand the current legislation.

An observer group needs to be aware of all aspects of the electoral process.

10. To pursue civic and voter education

When you first establish your domestic observer group you will probably be focusing on recruitment, training, raising money and the logistics of election day.

However, once you have completed your first election observation experience, you need to think about your future role. Depending on the situation in your country, you might want to think about providing a crucially important service in voter and civic education.

What Is The Role Of Observers Between Elections?

Democratic promises embodied in elections may be achieved or squandered by the actions of political leaders, civil servants, citizens or institutions in the period following the elections. Observers therefore have a vital role to play between elections by remaining engaged in activities which promote citizen participation in democratic governance. They can assist in:

• Developing an open, participatory civil society;
• Promoting the social and political issues which are primary objectives supported by election observers in their own work;
• Holding elected officials and the public service accountable by maximising the social/political benefit from their expertise and contacts gained from election work and transferring them to other activities.

Specifically, observers can:

1. Advocate for electoral reform on the basis of their experience of what works and what does not.
2. Conduct voter education to educate new voters regarding their rights and the value of their vote.
3. Conduct training of electoral officials to update them on changes in laws or regulations.
4. Evaluate the management of elections to point out missed opportunities or significant flaws in election management.
5. Consolidate and build monitoring capacity so that they are ready for action when a new election is scheduled.
6. Develop a database of trained and experienced observers.
7. Update observer-training manuals as the law and regulations change.
8. Observe local by-elections which arise in between major election dates.
9. Make policy inputs for the improvement of electoral systems in terms of issues such as the independence of electoral authorities, financing and financial accountability in election management, etc.

Challenges Faced by Civil Society Observers:

• Fear of losing working Relationships.
• Pan Africanism.
• NEPAD - peer to peer review.
• Allegations of donor driven.
• Labelled unpatriotic/agents of the west.
• Sympathisers of the oppositions.