Role of Election Observers Questioned
What if the world look at it differently? Instead of just election observing which simply means casting your eyes on the process, record what you see and report. What if we slot in 'name and shame' to the role of observers?
I have always wondered the extent of the role of international election observers. How relevant are they? Admitting intermittently it is the world I enjoy so much. Now that I look back wondering did I do any justice to the people? I find that hard to answer. The simple fact is , my role was limited to observing and recording in a set standard form designed on the basis of set Norms, Standards and Guidelines of Election for the SADC (PF). The form would be accompanied by a report of the day's proceeding of election polling stations and later to submit both to the command center.
It makes me feel good that I have walked proud steps into the presiding officers office which is usually the polling station and managed to silently exude confidence that infects the electorate lining up to cast their vote. In depth of their mind they are confident the election will be free and fair simply they are observers who jetted in a few days before election day. Does the electorate know the extent of the role of an observer? Lest we save them comfort of confidence that they feel when they see observers.
I understand, an election is a composition of 1. pre-election 2. election day 3. post election. Unfortunately an observer is not involved in the sprucing of the voters roll before an election for the reason of avoidance of ghost voters neither are they involved in the voter registration process. Even if the presence of an observer is sought during the voter registration, alas their role as said before is to observe, record and report. What an anomaly? The most critical preparation stage of election is compromised. A gap is already created which de enfranchise the potential voter.
The set standard form, as limited as it is, purports to be an overseer of the whole election process. Souls should be saved here as observers do not accompany the ballot boxes from the polling station to the counting center. Although some have improved in that area by counting from the polling station, no fare options here the results are posted the outside the polling station and that breads intimidation before election and retribution.
These are some but worries that embolden my mind. We as a people living this 21st century have to improve around this area.
What if the world look at it differently? Instead of just election observing which simply means casting your eyes on the process, record what you see and report. What if we slot in 'name and shame' to the role of observers?
I have always wondered the extent of the role of international election observers. How relevant are they? Admitting intermittently it is the world I enjoy so much. Now that I look back wondering did I do any justice to the people? I find that hard to answer. The simple fact is , my role was limited to observing and recording in a set standard form designed on the basis of set Norms, Standards and Guidelines of Election for the SADC (PF). The form would be accompanied by a report of the day's proceeding of election polling stations and later to submit both to the command center.
It makes me feel good that I have walked proud steps into the presiding officers office which is usually the polling station and managed to silently exude confidence that infects the electorate lining up to cast their vote. In depth of their mind they are confident the election will be free and fair simply they are observers who jetted in a few days before election day. Does the electorate know the extent of the role of an observer? Lest we save them comfort of confidence that they feel when they see observers.
I understand, an election is a composition of 1. pre-election 2. election day 3. post election. Unfortunately an observer is not involved in the sprucing of the voters roll before an election for the reason of avoidance of ghost voters neither are they involved in the voter registration process. Even if the presence of an observer is sought during the voter registration, alas their role as said before is to observe, record and report. What an anomaly? The most critical preparation stage of election is compromised. A gap is already created which de enfranchise the potential voter.
The set standard form, as limited as it is, purports to be an overseer of the whole election process. Souls should be saved here as observers do not accompany the ballot boxes from the polling station to the counting center. Although some have improved in that area by counting from the polling station, no fare options here the results are posted the outside the polling station and that breads intimidation before election and retribution.
These are some but worries that embolden my mind. We as a people living this 21st century have to improve around this area.
Hello Hilda,
ReplyDeleteA very serious matter indeed! Your article here is in fact an eye opener to reflect on what goes on behind the scenes in many places.
Whatever business is being conducted, social ethics and values should never be compromised by the caretakers! Be it at schools, in institutions and all sorts of businesses where all the confidential matters conducted as such in confidence, are meant to uphold the core ideals of the business in safeguarding the interests of the people they are responsible for.
Official observers would be there entrusted by truth and honest conduct. They are after all representative of these same ideals.
Interesting topic.
Best wishes,
Wassila