Peace Programs

What is election observation?

The overarching goal of election observation is to support efforts to strengthen democratic processes and institutions and to support the conduct of elections that meet international standards, are peaceful, and have credible results.  Further, election observation serves to:

1. demonstrate the international community's interest and support for elections that meet international standards as reflected in a variety of international public documents and declarations;
   
2. reinforce the efforts of civil society and domestic monitoring organizations in the electoral process, and increase the credibility and perceived impartiality of their work;
   
3. provide an impartial assessment of  the electoral process and, where relevant,  recommendations for ways to improve the process in future elections;
   
4. assist the efforts of election administrators, political parties, and civil society groups to develop tools and skills necessary to peacefully resolve conflicts and discourage violence related to the electoral process;  and
   
5. provide a foundation for other peace-building and democratization initiatives in neighboring areas and throughout the world.

Because an election is a political process that unfolds over time, the Center deploys long-term observers to analyze election laws, assess voter registration, evaluate election preparations, observe voter education efforts, and monitor the openness of campaigns.  Information is collected through various means, including meetings with election officials, members of political parties, civil society organizations, and representatives of the international community.  Carter Center observers also may  be asked to focus on specific issues relevant to a particular country such as political party finance or election-related conflict.  Observers are usually deployed in teams of two to various locations throughout the country to maximize geographic coverage.

The Carter Center also may deploy short-term observers around the country to observe the balloting and tabulation votes.  High-level delegations comprised of former elected officials (often including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn) and other eminent persons are an additional component of the Center's approach to election observation. Wherever possible, the Center collaborates with other international and domestic election observers.

The Carter Center believes that, while elections are crucial, they alone are not enough to ensure the success of democracy. It also is essential for a country to build accountable, effective political institutions and to ensure that citizens can meaningfully participate in the political life of their nation.