...

First OSCE election observation training course held in Central Asia

Iran Materials 23 November 2006 15:27 (UTC +04:00)

(osce) - An OSCE training course for election observers began in Bishkek today. It was the first time such an event was held in Central Asia, reports Trend.

It is part of the expanding efforts of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to increase the geographical diversity of its election observation missions and to enhance common professional standards. The two-day course brought together participants from Central Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.

"All 56 OSCE participating States have the right to send observers to our election observation missions but by doing so are responsible for providing experienced and well-trained observers. This training course complements national training efforts but is not a substitute for them," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, ODIHR Director.

Thirty-seven participants from foreign ministries, non-governmental organizations and central election commissions from fifteen states are attending the course, which is hosted by the OSCE Academy in Bishkek.

The participants will get an overview of the basis for election observation, the long-term work of election experts in the field, observation of voting and counting, preparation of reports and follow-up activities.

The ODIHR plans to offer similar training courses for short-term observers twice a year.

The ODIHR election observation methodology was first developed nearly a decade ago and has served as a model for other international organizations.

Around 30,000 observers have participated in over 100 ODIHR election observation missions in the last decade.

Latest

Latest