Apply now as an Observer on our Election Observation Mission!
Attention: Applications are not accepted after the deadline of 31 March.
What will we do?
As independent short-term observers, we follow the electoral process on election day in order to publish a report about our observations. Election observation contributes to the transparency of elections and is a valuable instrument for democratic control.
As an independent observer, you will travel to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for a few days (latest arrival on Wednesday afternoon, 1 June, and earliest departure on Tuesday morning, 7 June) and:
- receive a basic training on the principles and methods of international election observation;
- receive a basic briefing about the political situation of the country and discuss the electoral processes;
- complete a short research task about a topic of your choice related to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, its political and electoral system, or other relevant aspects;
- attend preparation meetings with local officials, experts, and activists; in particular, meet young politicians and representatives of youth movements and document their perspective on the upcoming elections;
- be deployed first in Skopje, and then, if possible, (Saturday and Sunday) in a city or region of your preference;
- visit a number of polling stations (8-10) on election day to observe the opening, voting, closing, counting, and tabulation;
- attend debriefing post elections and discuss election observation against a set of international standards;
- write a short summary about your observations together with other observers;
- spend time together in a community of young people and gain first hand experience in international election observation.
Last but not least, you will spend a great time in the former Yugoslav Republic in Macedonia together with a highly motivated team of international young people while having the chance to gain invaluable experience and getting acquainted with electoral processes!
What are the conditions?
In order to be an international observer, you should fulfil the following criteria:
- be aged between 18 and 30 years old;
- have a solid command of English;
- be resident in Europe (or in reasonable proximity);
- have any nationality other than Macedonian. Please note that nationals from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are not eligible to apply as international election observers. However, you can apply and support us as local coordinators;
- have time from March to mid-May 2016 to participate in an online training course about the election observation and prepare research and reports on the elections;
- be fully available to travel to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia between 1 and 7 June 2016*
- 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. Other skills, education or experience related to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, democratic systems or election observation are an asset.
How can you apply?
Please fill in this application form. The application deadline is Thursday, 31 March 2016 at 23:59 CET.
For any questions, please e-mail Dessi at dessi.hristova@aegee.org or Julia at julia.krebs@aegee.org.
We look forward to your application!
*Please note that in theory there may still be changes to the final election date. We do not expect this to happen, but if it does, we will notify you. According to the constitution, the election date must be set latest 60 days in advance, which means that we should have certainty by 7 April.
**AEGEE Election Observation works on raising funds for its upcoming Missions. However, we cannot guarantee at this moment that we will be able to provide any financial assistance; most likely you (like us) will have to cover your own expenses.