Aim & Content: The objective of this course is to support the development and consolidation of pluralistic, democratic societies through preparing participants for observation and assistance tasks in electoral missions. Participants receive an introduction to the concept of elections as part of the democratic process, explaining some basic concepts and practices of democracy, the relationship between elections and human rights and the democratic standards for elections.

Topics: different electoral systems, different institutional approaches to election observation and assistance, elections and election observation in different societies, tasks of Short-Term Observers (STOs), Long-Term Observers (LTOs) and Election Supervisors. The complete election cycle is also analysed in a case study.

Target Group: People with academic background and/or field experience, preferably having already participated in electoral missions. People who have attended a Core Course and would like to become involved in Election Observation and Assistance.  

Course Fee: 1110€ (incl. tuition fee, full-board accommodation, course materials, shuttle from and to the airport, a social event and coffe break)