06th November 2015
The Citizens Democracy Watch Seychelles (CDWS) in partnership with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) held a training in election observation between the 03rd to 07th of November 2015 at CARE House. CDWS is an accredited member of CEPS and is a non-partisan election observer group.
The aim of this workshop was to enhance the capacity of local observers and also broaden journalists’ understanding of the electoral process of a fair and equitable election and what the election observation is all about.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Holly Ruthrauff and Mr.Andrew Bruce, two highly qualified trainers with experience from carrying out numerous mission as well as from training both international and citizen observers.
Election observation is a valuable tool for improving the quality of elections. Observers help build public confidence in the honesty of electoral processes. Observation can help promote and protect the civil and political rights of participants in elections. It can lead to the correction of errors or weak practices, even while an election process is still under way. It can deter manipulation and fraud, or expose such problems if they do occur. When observers can issue positive reports, it builds trust in the democratic process and enhances the legitimacy of the governments that emerge from elections. Election observation by domestic groups encourages civic involvement in the political process. Following elections, reports and recommendations by observer groups can lead to changes and improvements in national law and practice.
Participants will receive their certificates today Friday 16th of November, in the afternoon.
