Long-Term Election Observation (LTO) Remote Course

The training for Long-term Election Observers (LTOs) transfers the specialized knowledge and skills necessary for successful LTO deployment. The course builds on the training for Short-term Election Observers. While the duration of the deployment and tasks of a STO are relatively limited, LTOs have a much more comprehensive remit.

The course teaches the multiple skills required to fulfil this remit. This includes, among other things, drafting reports in the pre-election phase, logistical support for STOs and effective cooperation within the LTO team. The skills follow the standards of the international organisations deploying election observation missions, the EU and the OSCE/ODIHR. All trainers have extensive experience in election observation missions.

The course language is English.

Please note: Because of the current situation, this course takes place in an adpated remote format. This includes two daily live sessions (2 hrs each) in a virtual classroom (Zoom) using different digital tools and further work in teams on different training tasks. For more details about the course structure, please see the preliminary course schedule.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be ready to deploy as a LTO. This means that they will:

• Have in-depth knowledge about the tasks and challenges related to an LTO deployment in ODIHR or EU election observation missions;

• Know how to conduct themselves during a mission and how to best prepare for deployment;

• Be able to fulfil all necessary tasks and to react appropriately to any associated challenges.

The course targets German and international participants who have already gained experience as short-term election observers (minimum two STO missions) in previous assignments and who are interested in deploying to an EU and/or OSCE/ODIHR mission as an LTO.

• Overview over EU and ODIHR election observation missions

• International standards and the electoral cycle

• Structure, content and process in long-term election observation missions

• Working with national staff and translators

• Coordination and cooperation between core team, LTOs and STOs

• Electronic voting – overview and role of LTOs

• Dealing with the media

• Code of conduct for national and international mission staff

• LTO and STO reporting: formats and responsibilities

• Personal security and preparation

• For German applicants, please note that you must show at least two assignments as an STO in order to be considered for the LTO course.

• For international applicants, please note: Prior experience in STO assignments and a letter of reference from your national Focal Point will increase your chances of being selected for the course.

Venue:

Because of the current situation, this course will take place in a adapted remote format.

Course fee:

• External participants: €500

• Members of the ZIF Expert Pool: €100

ZIF Trainings:

ZIF trainings are practice-oriented and reflect the operational reality of peace operations and (post-)conflict areas through exercises, role plays and scenario-based courses. Moreover, our trainings focus on the main areas of competence outlined in the ZIF Concept “Civilian Expert”. Additionally, we base our courses on contemporary concepts of adult education and peer learning. We try to create a joint learning space where participants and the training team can exchange freely and critically, and which provides room for self-reflection. Another important goal of our courses is to encourage a change of perspective.