Apply now as an observer!
For the upcoming general elections in Spain on 20 December 2015, we are organising an Election Observation Mission with 24 international observers.
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 reports contribute to the transparency of elections and are a valuable instrument for democratic control.
As an independent observer, you will travel to Spain for a few days (latest arrival until Wednesday evening, 16 December, and earliest departure on Tuesday morning, 22 December) and:
- receive a basic training on the principles and methods of international election observation;
- complete a limited research task about a topic of your choice related to Spain, 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 Madrid, and then (Saturday and Sunday) in a city or region of your choice;
- visit a number of polling stations on election day to observe the opening, voting, closing, vote counting, and ballot storage;
- write a report about your observations together with other observers.
Last but not least, you will spend a great time in Spain with a highly motivated team of international young people and have the chance to see different places and meet the local population!
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 Spanish;
- have time from November to mid-January 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 Spain between 16 and 22 December;
- be able to cover your own costs*.
Experience 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 Spain, democratic systems or election observation are an asset.
How can you apply?
Please fill in this application form. The application deadline is Sunday, 1 November at 23:59 CET.
For any questions, please e-mail Francesco at francesco.marchesano@aegee.org.
We look forward to your application!