Handbook for the Observation of Election Administration
Organizing elections and referenda is indisputably a challenging task. Bodies in charge of administering elections and referenda (EMBs) have the demanding function of ensuring that many complex election- and referenda-related processes are managed efficiently, impartially and transparently. The work of the EMBs has a direct impact on the quality and integrity of electoral and referendum processes and is one of the keys to ensuring the rights of voters and contestants. The EMBs are therefore one of the main guardians of democratic elections, and their activities are central to fostering public confidence.
This Handbook is intended to serve as the primary reference material for all types of ODIHR observation activities, such as election and referendum observation missions, limited observation missions, assessment missions and expert teams (further jointly referred to as observation missions), to support their efforts in assessing the work of an election administration in a comprehensive, systematic and consistent manner.
The views, opinions, conclusions and other information expressed in this document are not given nor necessarily endorsed by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) unless the OSCE is explicitly defined as the Author of this document.