Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

How to become an election observer

An ODIHR election observer speaks with an official at a polling station in Yerevan during parliamentary elections in Armenia, 12 May 2007. (OSCE/Urdur Gunnarsdottir)
An ODIHR election observer speaks with an official at a polling station in Yerevan during parliamentary elections in Armenia, 12 May 2007. (OSCE/Urdur Gunnarsdottir)

When a decision is made to observe an election, ODIHR requests long- and short-term observers by notifying the delegations of OSCE participating States in Vienna.

The procedure for recruiting observers varies from country to country, but the process is generally co-ordinated by the respective foreign ministries. As a rule, it is the sending states that cover the costs of the observers.

For information on national procedures for recruiting observers, please contact the relevant permanent delegation to the OSCE in Vienna.

Please do not contact ODIHR directly.