election-watch.eu

Gdansk, 20-22 November 2024: Election-Watch.EU participated for the first time as an endorsing member at the annual implementation meeting of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation in Gdansk/Poland. Hosted by OSCE / ODIHR, and opened by former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Lech Wałęsa, the event took place in the BHP Hall of the former Gdansk shipyard – the very same room from which Wałęsa once led the transformational Solidarity trade union movement.  

Eightyfive representatives of more than 30 international election observation organisations from around the world, which have committed to upholding the highest methodological standards and ethical practices, and have signed the Declaration of Principles (DoP) for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct, discussed its implementation and emerging issues. Topics for discussion this year included new challenges faced by election management bodies, how observers can better communicate their findings, ensure observers’ safety in a climate of increasing polarisation, include persons with disabilities in observation missions, and the impact of AI on observation.

Election-Watch.EU Advisory Board Member Amb. Urszula Gacek presented good practice examples as stimulus for change as new tool in election observation and emphasised that “highlighting proven, workable solutions, election observers can do more than just identify problems; we inspire, promote the exchange of best practices, and progress, creating a ripple effect that extends well beyond the observed elections.”

Armin Rabitsch from Election-Watch.EU was invited to the panel on AI in elections to elaborate on the challenges and ongoing regulatory efforts of the EU in the framework of the AI Act.

Next year, the UN will host the annual DoP meeting in New York. “2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Principles”, said Simon-Pierre Nanitelamio, Deputy Director of the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division (UNEAD).“ This will provide not only an opportunity to reflect on the challenges ahead, but also to take stock of the achievements of this unique community of practice that has emerged over the past two decades.”

©Photo Credit OSCE/ODIHR 

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