A regional perspective on electronic voter identification: Challenges and good practices

ODIHR and the OSCE Presence in Albania are organizing a workshop in Tirana on 20 and 21 September 2022 to discuss a regional perspective of challenges and good practices in electronic voter identification. As part of the “Support to Electoral Reforms in the Western Balkans” project, the workshop is designed to share knowledge and draw conclusions for follow-up action on improving existing processes for electronic identification of voters, in alignment with ODIHR recommendations and OSCE commitments.

Context and topics

Voter identification is an important basis for equal and universal participation of eligible voters in an election. Transparency, accuracy and inclusiveness are key to ensuring the credibility of voter lists and of voter registration processes, as well as the integrity and public perception of election day proceedings.

The discussion during the workshop will focus on existing processes for the electronic identification of voters, including challenges and emerging best practices in the implementation of electronic identification, efforts to develop long-term and sustainable systems, mechanisms for exchanging data between various agencies involved in developing the voter register and the voter lists, and effective data protection.

Specific attention will be paid to cross-cutting issues, namely inclusiveness and non-discrimination regarding the electoral participation of women, national minorities, people with disabilities, internally displaced people, and the homeless. Discussions will focus on factors that may disadvantage these citizens from inclusion in voter lists and in voter registration processes. Participants will look into these aspects  to assess voter registration systems and procedures, and the effectiveness of public information campaigns, including in minority languages or for people with disabilities.

Participants will also analyse how to strengthen the co-operation and partnerships of civil society organizations and international organizations with national institutions to enhance engagement in addressing electoral recommendations related to electronic voter identification.

Participants

• Representatives of relevant institutions and election management bodies;
• Civil society organizations, including citizen election observation groups;
• Local and international experts.

Participation in this event is by invitation only.

Contact

For further information, please contact the “Support to Electoral Reforms in the Western Balkans” project team at wb-project@odihr.pl.