election-watch.eu

For the first time, the European Parliament elections are comprehensively assessed by an election observation mission. Election-Watch.EU will hold a press conference to present the Mission’s preliminary findings and conclusions, at 11:00 hours, on Tuesday 28 May, at the Press Club Brussels Europe, Rue Froissart 95, in Brussels.

Election-Watch.EU will be joined by MEMO98, a specialist media-monitoring organisation known for its research into media during elections. MEMO98 will present the findings of its social media monitoring in connection with the European Parliament elections. 

What is Election-Watch.EU?

Election-Watch.EU is an independent and impartial civil society organisation of international election experts and observers. The organisation endorsed the Declaration of Global Principles for Non-Partisan Election Observation and is a member of a Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors. The Mission comprises a coordination team in Brussels, and one national chapter in each of the 28 EU Member States. Sixty committed international election experts and observers, as well as seven like-minded citizen election observer organisations operate across the EU. This Mission’s work across EU Member States was carried out on a pro bono basis.

Why observe the European elections?

Election-Watch.EU will provide recommendations to strengthen European electoral integrity and to enhance democratic practices. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of the European elections by highlighting good electoral practices among Member States. One of the major objectives is to strengthen civic engagement in European elections, with a special focus on youth participation.

What is the methodology used?

Following a Needs Assessment Mission, Election-Watch.EU analyses particular aspects of the electoral processes based on a set of priority criteria related to international standards. The 28 national chapters cover four essential thematic areas, with a focus on the coherence of the electoral calendars including voter registration, campaign finance practices, social media regulation, and access for persons with disabilities to elections. A range of key stakeholders were consulted in each Member State, including election management bodies, political parties, civil society and media organisations, besides the EU institutions in Brussels. The Mission follows international good practice in observation methodology.

Which preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at the press conference?

To face the new challenges such as social media campaigns, electoral interference and anti-European trends, the EU and its Member States would gain from increased cohesion and accountability. Non-partisan international and citizen-led election observation missions are essential for strengthening democratic principles and upholding international human rights standards in electoral practices. Election-Watch.EU will present the preliminary findings in respect of inclusion, accountability, transparency and equality of the European elections within EU Member States. The ambition is to provide a sound basis for European electoral reforms during the next legislative period of the European Parliament.