About

This course addresses different aspects and features of electoral observation. The first part deals with the thematic framing and insertion of electoral observation missions in the broader area of international cooperation. Several institutions that carry out electoral observation missions are addressed, underlining the different forms of organisation and methodology. The importance of participating in these missions, for Portugal, is also stressed.

The second part addresses the specific issues within electoral observation missions, analysing their components, structure, operationalisation and substantial benchmarking criteria, with a perspective on international instruments and tools in the area of electoral integrity, in order to provide critical evaluation tools in the electoral area, at national and international level.
Finally, throughout the course, concrete cases in the area of electoral observation are addressed, with practical exercises, in order to allow a more direct contact with the reality at hand.

The course follows the Masters in Electoral Administration (MEPA) curriculum, developed by the International IDEA - Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (of which Portugal is a member state).

COORDINATOR
Carla Luís is a researcher at the CES - Centre for Social Studies, in postdoctoral studies. Member of the National Commission of Elections since 2009. She teaches in the area of Electoral Observation, Electoral Justice, among others. BRIDGE certified trainer. Has carried out work in the area of Elections and Democracy, with international and national institutions. PhD from the University of Coimbra, with a thesis on the UN and the impact of electoral systems. She was a researcher at The Electoral Integrity Project (Sydney/Harvard Univs.) and worked with UNDP as an electoral legal adviser, among others. Holds a Master in Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC) and a Law degree from FDUNL.s a researcher at the CES - Centre for Social Studies, in postdoctoral studies. Member of the National Commission of Elections since 2009. She teaches in the area of Electoral Observation, Electoral Justice, among others. BRIDGE certified trainer. Has carried out work in the area of Elections and Democracy, with international and national institutions. PhD from the University of Coimbra, with a thesis on the UN and the impact of electoral systems. She was a researcher at The Electoral Integrity Project (Sydney/Harvard Univs.) and worked with UNDP as an electoral legal adviser, among others. Holds a Master in Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC) and a Law degree from FDUNL.

TARGET AUDIENCE
Whoever works or intends to work in the area of electoral observation, electoral assistance, international cooperation, democratisation and human rights, international relations, political science and law, particularly in institutions, NGOs, or others, with an international focus. It is also intended for students and researchers.

ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSIONS
The course grants credits in the selection of observers for Election Observation Missions of the European Union, to be carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, namely 2 points in the "Training" criterion. Other institutions select observers, in which the course will be an asset albeit without specific quantification. Competencies are conferred in the wider area of electoral assistance, in which several institutions operate, which will also be explored in the course. The course does not guarantee, of course, selection in missions. The final certificate is issued in Portuguese and English.

INSTITUTIONAL
This course follows the Masters in Electoral Administration (MEPA) curriculum, developed by the International IDEA - Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (of which Portugal is a member state).

• Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Total number of hours: 24
• Certificate of attendance: attendance of 18 hours of course sessions
• Fees: €300 10% discount for students and for those who attended previous editions of the "Elections in Portugal" and "Electoral Observation" courses)