Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights - Elections

In recent years, observation of elections and referenda has emerged as an important task in support of democratic transition and human rights. While international observation has received the most attention and publicity, the importance of domestic observation has grown significantly. Observation by domestic observer groups can help to deter violations and promote confidence in the honesty and integrity of the electoral process.

This handbook provides domestic observer groups with methodologies and tools they can use to develop a comprehensive and systematic approach to election observation. The intention is not to provide a definitive methodology that must be followed; rather, it is to outline methodologies that have been developed and used effectively over the past decade by both international and domestic observers. As such, this handbook may also be of use to international organizations involved in election observation, as well as to political party and candidate observers.