Apply now as a Short-Term Observer!
AEGEE Election Observation is looking for young people to become Short-Term Observers with our upcoming Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Local elections in the country will be taking place on 2 October 2016. The Mission will be deployed from 28 September to 4 October and will be comprised of young observers from all over Europe.
As independent Short-Term Observers, we will follow the voting procedures on the day of the local elections in various locations throughout the country. The observation of the elections by independent observers contributes to the transparency of the process and is a valuable instrument of democratic control. Our findings will be compiled into a report to be published after the Mission.
What is the programme of the Mission?
Prior to your arrival to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will be required to:
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take an election observation training on the principles and methods of international election observation as specified in the ODIHR online learning platform;
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conduct a short background research on a topic related to the upcoming local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina and youth electoral and political engagement.
In Sarajevo from 28 to 30 September, you will:
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take part in the briefing about the political situation of the country;
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attend meetings with local officials, experts and activists, and in particular, with youth organisations and activists in the country.
On 2 October, you will:
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be deployed in Sarajevo or in a city or region of your preference;
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visit a number of polling stations on Election Day to observe the opening, the voting, closing of polling stations, as well as counting and tabulation processes.
After the day of the elections, all will reconvene in Sarajevo to attend a debriefing session to discuss and summarise the findings of your observation with the other Observers and the Mission Coordinators.
Last but not least, you will spend a great time on a youth project aimed at enhancing young people's engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a highly motivated team of international young people while having the chance to gain first-hand experience in electoral processes!
What are the conditions?
In order to be an international Observer for AEGEE Election Observation, you should fulfil the following criteria:
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be between 18 and 30 years old;
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have a solid command of English;
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hold no citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Please note that nationals from Bosnia and Herzegovina are not eligible to apply as international election observers for this election. However, you can apply and support us as Local Coordinators;
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legally reside in a European country (geographically speaking, including Russia, Turkey, Caucasus). Please be advised that visa invitation letters can be issued only for AEGEE members;
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be available from mid-August to October 2016 to participate in an online training course on election observation and to conduct background research on the political situation of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
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be fully available to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina between 28th September – 4th October 2016
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be able to cover your own costs*.
Experience of participating in election monitoring in your country, in a political party or non-governmental organisations is desirable, but not required. AEGEE membership is a secondary criterion to be considered in case of doubt between otherwise equal applicants. Other skills, education or experience related to the Bosnia and Herzegovina, democratic systems or election observation are an asset.
How can you apply?
Please fill in this application form. The application deadline is Friday, 5 August 2016 at 23:59 CET.
For any further queries, please e-mail our coordinator Ségolène at segolene.tavel@aegee.org
We look forward to your applications!
*AEGEE Election Observation aims to raise funds for the project and its upcoming Missions. However, at present we cannot guarantee that any funds will be available to cover expenses and/or provide any financial assistance. Please bear in mind that this is a voluntary project and you (like all of us) need to be able to cover your own expenses.