The forming of domestic groups that are able to monitor their own elections without external assistance is an essential part of democratic development. In this regard, domestic observation is vital for the transparency and ownership of the electoral process in addition to the activities of the political party agents.

The presence of international observation is in several cases indispensable, for instance for elections in countries requiring peacekeeping force or undergoing a difficult transition, or where non-partisan civil society groups are virtually non–existent or non-functional. In the long run, however, domestic observation has a significant advantage over international observation.

Domestic observer groups can more easily gather larger numbers than any other observer groups (e.g. international observers) as they know the political culture, language and territory. Consequently they are capable of seeing many things that may pass unnoticed by foreign observers. Domestic observer groups are also often better equipped than international observers to carry out particular types of specialised observation efficiently. Examples include verifying the voter roll, monitoring the complaint process, documenting instances of intimidation and human rights abuses, and media monitoring. In addition national civic organisations have an important role to play in educating voters and promoting the rule of law.

Domestic observers should play a neutral role and report objective findings, which can either highlight shortcomings in the elections or alleviate potential for conflict. This can however be hard sometimes as domestic observers at the same time they can be subject to local pressure as they may live in the area and may also be perceived to lack credibility for being associated with civil society organisations (CSOs) and/or political and social activist groups.

It is vitally important that election observation organisations enjoy the respect and confidence of the public. Therefore, it is important to recruit persons with a high profile to lead the organisation. Indeed, well-known and highly respected individuals may automatically bring visibility and legitimacy to the project.

The methodology employed, the accuracy of the findings set out in the reports, the presentation of reports, and the holding of press conferences will all influence the credibility of any domestic observation. If handled unprofessionally it can weaken the credibility and importance of their role.

Observers will require training on their tasks and the purpose and objective of election observation. More highly specialised methodology and training is required for certain activities, such as media monitoring, campaign expenditure monitoring and monitoring the adjudication of election disputes. A code of conduct should also set out the main rights and duties of observers, based on neutrality and objectivity.

Support to domestic observation

For several years the support to domestic observation provided by the European Commission (EC) through the NEEDS-Project has been a strong point of the EC support to electoral processes. In recent years, the emphasis on this kind of support has moved towards technical assistance and local empowerment.

The European Commission has gained valuable experience in observation in the past decade and is well placed to provide technical assistance to facilitate better coordination, to enhance credibility of domestic observers, and to empower. Via the NEEDS Project, the EC has also organised a series of forums around the world, designed to increase the capacity of domestic election observer groups.

Looking at UNDP and its efforts to support domestic observation it often includes in its projects an element of training or logistical support to umbrella CSOs. There is a window of opportunity when designing and implementing election support projects for strengthening national observation capacities through limited and time-bound support.

Support to domestic observation groups can be linked to support initiatives for civil society, in particular in the area of voter and civic education, where synergies in identifying local partnerships and implementing voter education programmes can be easily put in place.

Read more about domestic observation in the “Electoral Integrity” topic area of the Encyclopaedia: Organized National Election Observation