ELECTIONS OBSERVATION AND EARLY WARNING EVALUATION TRAINING REPORT

RESIDENCE KORIET, Abidjan, Cote dIvoire

9-11 November, 2009

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 2.0 3.0 Objectives Opening Remarks Expected Outcomes Methodology

Training content Conclusion and Way Forward Programme Agenda List of Participants

1.0

INTRODUCTION

The West Africa Civil Society Institute in collaboration with the Convention de la Socit Civile Ivoirienne (CSCI) supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa( OSIWA) organised a specialised training workshop on Election observation and Early warning for civil society actors in Cote dIvoire. The overall objective of the workshop was to strengthen the

capacity of civil society actors to contribute to pre and post election management processes in order to ensure free, transparent and credible elections in Cote dIvoire

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Objectives

The specific objectives of the workshop were: To strengthen the capacity of civil society actors to contribute to pre and post election management processes; To provide actors with practical skills on how to observe elections effectively; To expose participants to different early warning systems and give them practical suggestions on how to establish an early warning system at community and national levels; and To proffer knowledge on key early warning reporting formats.

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Opening Remarks

(MR. Charles K. Vandyck, Programme officer, WACSI)

The programme officer said that Cote Divoire is a post conflict country and trying to settle peace through the forthcoming elections. WACSI as a resource center for civil society organizations in West Africa has designed a course on Election Observation and Early warning for civilian actors in Cote dIvoire. The objective of WACSI coming here is to strengthen the capacity of civil society actors to contribute to pre and post election
management processes .This has been possible thanks To the support of OSIWA and the collaboration with la Convention de la Socit Civile Ivoirienne (CSCI).Charles Vandyck

also mentioned that WACSI and the convention will take this opportunity to reinforce their partnership for future programmes in Cote dIvoire.

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Expected Outcomes Enhanced capacity of civil society actors to contribute to pre and post election management processes; Improved capacity to observe elections effectively; Increased knowledge of the importance of early warning systems; and Enhanced expertise on early warning reporting formats. Methodology

The training workshop was delivered using interactive, learner-centered methods, audio visual tools, experiential learning, and practical exercises. Participants were encouraged to use real life experiences to address fundraising and proposal writing challenges.
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Target Audience

Executive directors, programme directors and programme officers of CSOs that work on elections and early warning issues 2.0 TRAINING CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC

Introduction Overview of Sessions Session 1: What is Election Observation? Session 2: Mandate for Election Observation in West Africa Session 3: Election Observation as Conflict Prevention Mechanism Session 4: Guidelines for Ethical and Professional Election Observation Session 5: What to observe and how to observe? Session 6: Reporting the Observation Session7 : Election Observation in West Africa- the ECOWAS and WACSOF Experiences Session 8: What is an EWS? Session 9 : Indicators of an EWS Session 10 : Different Types of Early Warning Reports

Session 11 : Information Gathering Session 12: Engendering Early Warning Session 13: Designing an EWS Session: 14: Response Mechanism Session: 15: The Role of CSOs in Early Warning and Response

GROUP EXERCISE 1: What is Election Observation? The overall objectives of this exercise were to endow the participants with the basic concepts of Elections observation. For the resource person, it is necessary t have a better understanding of Election observation if you want t be an expert in this area. The resource person said that the subject enables sharing of experiences. Feedback from Trainees The majority of the participants said that this exercice is good for it enlightened their knowledge in election observation. However they have minimum knowledge of election with their organisation, they got additionnal knowledge of the concepts.

Types of Election Observation Long term Observation

Long-term election observation allows observation groups to effectively familiarize themselves with the electoral system being adopted for the elections, and the political and legal environment in which the elections will take place. As a result, long-term observers are likely to provide well-informed opinions on the outcome of an electoral process, and to make more comprehensive recommendations on relevant aspects of the process that need review It involves assessing the entire election process and spans the pre-election, election day and post-election phases. Ideally, therefore, long-term observation covers the following: the setting up of electoral management bodies; boundary delimitation; voter registration; voter education;
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political party registration; candidate nomination; campaigning; media coverage/reportage; voting; vote-counting; installation of the elected bodies; Election dispute resolution.

Short-term Observation This involves assessing only some phases or aspects of the electoral process including voting day and the vote-counting process. In essence, the duration is not longer than a week and usually starts during the final campaign period or a few days before the polling. It often ends after the release of the post-election statement. The decision on which method to choose usually depends on three factors including: The objectives of the election observation mission; The human and non-human resources available; The political environment and legal context. Membership In terms of membership, there are three types: International Domestic Mixed International This involves mostly external, multilateral or international intergovernmental organisations either invited by the country holding the elections or accredited by the appropriate body to observe the elections. Domestic This involves mostly national organisations with a stake in the elections or interested in ensuring a credible outcome from the electoral process. Domestic observation missions may therefore include: Partisan groups (e.g. political parties); and

Mandate for Election Observation in West Africa The mandate for election observation in West Africa is basically derived from the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001). What the Protocol seeks to achieve through election observation is in conformity with other global, regional and sub-regional instruments on democracy and human rights, including

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights ( December 1948); The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ( December 1966); The Harare Declaration adopted by the Commonwealth (December 1991); African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights ( June 1981); The Constitutive Act of the African Union (July 2000); ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (December 2001); Feedback from Trainees The participants found this session very essential for it enlightened the concepts of election observation. It helped them to have a better understanding of the different types of Elections observation

Election Observation as Conflict Prevention Mechanism Good electoral processes must be appropriate for the needs of a given society. Electoral system design is critically important in that electoral processes are not just about choosing representatives but also what is meant by representation. That is, a good electoral process will allow society to determine how its diverse interests will be reflected in representation. Ethnicity or religion may be a salient basis for representation, whereas in other situations issues such as the alleviation of poverty, gender equality, geographic representation or economic interests may be more important. Representation is generated in the election campaign. Candidates put forward their views of who in the electorate they represent and why, and voters are able to choose among them. Quality representation is key to constructive bargaining among a societys diverse interests and communities.

Feedback from Trainees The participants were happy with this session through their participation because it fits the situation in Cote dIvoire.

Guidelines for Ethical and Professional Election Observation Usually election will occur in a sovereign state with a recognized system of domestic authority. Observers are guests in the country, and any rights conferred on them are a privilege granted to them by the host country as an exercise of its sovereignty. As guests, observers must reflect a proper respect for the sovereignty of the host country, which should be understood as being distinct from a particular government of that country

Feedback From The Group Work The participants were pleased to learn of the different processes of fund raising strategies. They recognised the weaknesses that prevented them from obtaining funding. For example their primary objectives of sourcing for funds were not well specified. A group of participants remarked that through this training, they have now come to realize the reason why their proposals have often been rejected because their fundraising strategies have been weak.

What to observe and how to observe There are general principles guiding the conduct of democratic elections that are embedded in the various international and regional instruments that empower countries to hold elections. These same principles guide the conduct of election observation missions. The principles include the holding of periodic, genuine, free and fair elections which adhere to the principles of universal suffrage and equal suffrage, voting by secret ballot and the honest counting and reporting of polling results. These then become the parameters within which an observer operates. All countries have unique histories and circumstances, therefore it is important for the observers not to prosecute their mandate with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Election observation must take cognisance of the national context in order to make a fair assessment of the electoral process. It is for this reason that ECOWAS demands that apart from familiarising themselves with the aforementioned universal principles, election observers must acquaint themselves with the national laws governing the elections. Feedback From trainee

The participants in their majority support that this session enables them to take into consideration the laws f the countries before undertaking any election observation. Reporting the Observation The format for writing an observation report is not different from that of the election observation form. In fact, the election involves putting the observers findings in prose but this time with more details. The preliminary post-election statement should not be confused with the election report. The preliminary statement only indicates the missions general impressions of what occurred on Election Day. Although different organisations have adopted different formats for reporting, any good Election Observation must be guided by certain principles. This is the proposed format by the trainee Background of the country The background of the organisation commitment with the country in election The challenges Conclusion and recommandations

Feedback From trainees

The participants found this session very important because it is the outcomes of any election observation process. For the trainees this will help in the future activities as election observeurs.

Early Warning The objective of this session is provide the participants with the basic knowledge about Early warning before they can be able to understand how they can practice to build peace in Cote dIvoire. As a definition, warning is about providing in advance critical information with regard to a probable danger or looming disaster in order to prevent or minimise the loss of lives and destruction of properties. It is also a systematic collection of data and interpretation of the data through an analytical process to produce a report for dissemination to key intervening actors both locally or internationally.
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GROUP EXERCISE 5: Identification of probable conflict zones of Cote dIvoire After the definition of early warning the participants were asked to identify conflict and peace zones in Cote dIvoire. According to the resource person this is the best way to prevent upcoming conflicts in a country. This exercise has been profitable for the trainee as it helped them to discover that there is still enough to do in terms of peace building in their country.
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 Feedback from Trainees The participants had no knowledge about the meaning of early warning as systematic collection of data. Through this definition of early warning the participants said to be ready to prevent conflicts in their different areas following the scientific method of early warning system. After the group the trainees have been amazed by the procedure of identification of conflict zone which is the firs step of the early warning system. Indicators of early warning This session shows the different types of indicators in early warning which can be presented in figures or words to gauge changes in political and economic conditions of a country or group over time. The indicators can be social, political, environmental etc GROUP EXERCISE 6: What are the early warning indicators in Cote dIvoire The participants were asked to give the early warning indicators in the different regions of Cote dIvoire. The indicators should be based on the following areas: Social indicators Econonmic indicators Political indicators Cultural Feedback from Trainees The trainee found this exercise very practical. They supported that this group work enabled them to have a bright view of the challenges in Cote dIvoire .For the participants the indicators found through the exercise reflect the true realities of their country. Some participants revealed the weakness of the Civil society in Cote dIvoire which has not been able to identify such indicators in their country. For most of the participants, this exercise strengthened their writing skills. 3.0 Different types of early warning reports

There are two main types of reports and several other special reports. The two main types are Incident Report and Situation Report. The Incident reports (IncRep) are episodic reports on a given set of parameters triggered by the occurrence of phenomena, typically associated with violence or some other impact of significance. As far as the situation report is concerned it is systematic observation covering a particular situation or Area of Reporting (AOR), over time to establish baseline activity levels. The participants should be able to make a difference between the reports in order to be to do reasonable and objective reports on the fields

GROUP EXERCISE 7: Write a report based on a story told during the training session bye the resource person.
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This exercise highlighted the participants weakness to write an early warning report. This exercise is a starting point of early warning report. It helps to improve their knowledge in early warning and early response system. Feedback from Trainees

The participants found this group work very practical .It helps them to be more prcised and objectives in reporting on early warning: Therefore it Gives the partipants the methodology of early warning report Shows the different types of early warning reports.

Role of Civil Society Organisations in Early Warning and Early Response CSOs act swiftly and flexibly to respond to conditions as needed, often using innovative and non-coercive strategies and quality processes to address problems and can act when, for various reasons, official actors are immobilised. The contribution of a CSO in a regional EWS, the current role of WANEP is presented. WANEP has been chosen by ECOWAS to implement the current sub-regional early warning process. Based on the following reasons. WANEP has good experience in peace keeping and good vision of West African that meet the need of ECOOWAS In the nine years since its creation, WANEP has emerged as the largest civil society peace building organization with strong community-based networks of over 400 member organisations in 12 countries in West Africa. In other words, WANEP has the potential of providing civil society monitors across West Africa; In recent years, WANEP has gained experience in producing early warning and response reports. Furthermore, WANEP is currently a lead member in the international steering committee of the GPPAC process as West Africa convener. The resource person gave a bright explanation of international actors and national actors. International CSO actors are generally key allies in the mitigation of conflict and promotion of peace and stability while regional actors are those focused on the African continent. In West Africa, there is the West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), WANEP, and WACSI. Feedback from Trainees The participants have shown their satisfaction of the contribution of WANEP in the regional early warning work. So they have committed to settle organized CSO committee in order to prevent conflicts in Cote dIvoire through the early warning system

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CONCLUSION AND RECCOMENDATIONS The Executive Director of WACSI thanked the participants for participating in the training and for hosting WACSI and OSIWA. At the end of the workshop certificates were given to the trainees acknowledging their active participation in the training course. In addition, the trainees were given a bilingual toolkit for utilisation as a reference document and a training tool and Electronic version of the regional directory for civil society organisation. The workshop was jointly facilitated by WACSI resource person one election expert from ONUCI and Ghana Electoral Commission. The following key recommendations emanated from the workshop: The trainees have committed to replicate the trainings for the community organisations. The participants have committed to set up a round table on early warning in Cote dIvoire. This will help to identify possible crisis area and report it to the decision makers through the monitors and the analysts The participants have committed to influence Cote dIvoire Electoral policies based on Ghana experience by creating a coalition of domestic observers like CORDEO in Ghana The participants have committed to organise a brainstorming to rewrite a final code of conduct for the all the actors involved the election processes in Cote dIvoire. WACSI has committed to follow up the operation of the roundtable and the code of conduct.

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AGENDA Elections Observation and Early Warning Training Course Abidjan- Cote DIvoire 9-11 November, 2009 Day 1
TIME ACTIVITIES PERSON RESPONSIBLE

8:00-8:30 8:30-9:00 9:30 -10:00

Opening Ceremony Objectives of the training and Introduction of Participants Coffee Break

WACSI/CSI WACSI/CSI WACSI

10:00-11:00 Understanding Elections Observation 11:00-12:00 Election Observation As Conflict Prevention Mechanism Practical Exercise Lunch Guidelines For Ethical And Professional Election Observation 1:30 -2:30 What To Observe And How To Observe? 2:30 -3:30 Coffee Break 3:30 -4:00

Charles Nnoko MBIBI Charles Nnoko MBIBI

12:00-12:30 12:30 -1:30

Charles Nnoko MBIBI WACSI

Charles Nnoko MBIBI

Charles Nnoko MBIBI

WACSI

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4:00-5:00

Reporting The Observation

Charles Nnoko MBIBI

Day 2 TIME ACTIVITIES What is Early Warning? How to analyse indicators 9:300-10:30 Coffee Break 10:30-11 What to monitor? 11 : 00-12:00 How to respond? 12:00 -1:00 1:00-2:00 2:00:-2:30 2:30-3:30 3:30-4:00 4:00-5:00 WACSI WACSI WACSI PERSON RESPONSIBLE WACSI

Lunch Practical Exercise Report writing Coffee Break The Role Of CSOs In Early Warning And Early Response

WACSI WACSI WACSI WACSI WACSI

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Day 3 TIME 8:30-10:00 ACTIVITIES Civil society and Elections Observation PERSON RESPONSIBLE Charles Nnoko MBIBI

10:00-10:30

Coffee Break

WACSI

10:30-1:00 1:00-2:00

Elections Management in Africa: The Ghanaian Experience Lunch

Electoral Commission of Ghana WACSI

Closing Ceremony 2:00-3:00

WACSI/CSCI

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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ELECTIONS OBSERVATION AND EARLY WARNING TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR CIVIL ACTORS IN COTE DIVOIRE Nbre
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Name
Capet Dagba Irene NDri Kouam Blaise Ngbl Kouehi Joachim Traor Drissa Bosson Kouadio Jean NKiranue Jean Emile M. NETH WILLY Alexandre Boyou Boniface TRAORE Flavien

Position
Coordonnatrice CSCI Coordonateur CSCI UGTCI President MIDH Charg de programme Directeur IDBH Secrtaire Gnral President Secrtaire Gnral

Organisation
Caritas CI ASAPSU Coordonateur CSCI MIDH CSCI CERAP Ligue Ivoirienne des Droits de lHomme (LIDHO) ASSELCI Coordination Nationale des Enseignants du Suprieur et des Chercheurs (CNEC)

Address
Edleso1@yahoo.fr ndriblaisekme@yahoo.fr Onidoun05@yahoo.fr Siege_midh@yahoo.fr jkbosson@yahoo.fr nkiranuye@cerap-inades.org penaneth@yahoo.fr asselci@yahoo.fr traoreff@yahoo.fr

10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Combey Sophie MadI Annick Kegban Y.Sidonie LOGBO Leaza Martine Bassaro Dembel Ouattara Diakalia Tehe Michel

2eme coordonatrice CSCI CSCI Prsidente RIOF Charge de programme WANEP-CI Prsidente GIDSE Coordonateur CSCI COSIM Secretaire Gnral Directeur des Etudes FNDP/CSCI ODAHROM

sophiecombey@yahoo.fr asapsu@hotmail.com sikegban@yahoo.fr Gidse2005@yahoo.fr Bedembele09@yahoo.fr diakamad@yahoo.fr Michel_tehe@yahoo.fr

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17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.

Bamba Sindou Kon Solange Fofana Valerie Aline Wanyou Jerome Drissa Soulama Mamadou Lamine

Coordonateur Prsidente Charge de programme WANEP-CI Assistant Programme SGA Cordonateur General

RAIDH MMF WANEP-CI WANEP-CI CLUB UA CNI

raidhci@aviso.ci konesol@yahoo.fr linafof@yahoo.fr jeromewanyou@yahoo.fr drissasoulama@yahoo.fr

Mamalam01@yahoo.fr

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