This handbook provides a thorough overview of the ODIHR’s observation methodology and serves as a reference work for all members of an Election Observation Mission. It also informs the OSCE community at large, including governments of participating States, political parties, candidates, voters, and civil society, about the planning, deployment, and implementation of an election observation mission.
It is structured to facilitate easy access to the specific material of most immediate interest to the reader. Chapters 1-4 consider the basis for ODIHR election observation, including the OSCE commitments by which election processes in the OSCE region are assessed, as well as other universal principles for democratic elections. The regulatory framework for an election observation mission is also addressed, covering both the necessary conditions for effective election observation and the Observer Code of Conduct.
The operative chapters are grouped accordingly: Chapters 5-6 cover specific preparations for an EOM, beginning with the needs assessment mission, and including the eventual deployment of the mission, its structure and organization; Chapters 7-9 describe in detail the methodology to observe the pre-election period, as well as the voting and counting procedures; Chapters 10-12 focus on the post-election period, including immediate post-election reporting, observing post-election developments, and closing down the mission; and the final chapters (13-15) deal with the ODIHR’s partnerships with other organizations, the final assessment of the election, and the options for post-election follow-up.
