Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation
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Studies and Training - FUTURE PROJECTS
DECO will continue its efforts to develop innovative tools to comprehensively observe electoral processes in the region. To this end, it is currently developing three methodologies that will ensure that Electoral Observation Missions gather systematized information on:



Voting from Abroad

Due to increasing mobility throughout the continent, many countries in the region have started to implement processes and procedures that enable their citizens to exercise their political rights from abroad. The OAS began to observe voting from abroad during the Ecuadorian presidential elections of 2013. The OAS has since observed voting from abroad in elections held in Paraguay (2013), Costa Rica and Panama (2014). As a result of those activities, DECO is working on a new methodology that will facilitate the observation of legal frameworks on voting from abroad, as well as voting procedures, political conditions and the level of trust in the electoral organizations involved in the process.

Electoral Security

DECO is currently developing a methodology that will allow systematic observation of two related aspects of electoral processes: the detection and resolution of electoral crimes and electoral security. The methodology seeks to gather information on the procedures and resources in place to report electoral crimes and on the ability of electoral authorities to process and address such claims. The methodology will also permit the examination of existing security measures and identify factors that risk disrupting the electoral process.

Resolution of Electoral Disputes – Electoral Justice

The OAS is in the initial stages of developing a methodology for observing processes and mechanisms to resolve electoral disputes. The methodology will involve the analysis of normative frameworks, the identification of mechanisms employed in the probationary phase of electoral justice, the monitoring of the effectiveness of existing legal resources, and the observation of electoral institutions responsible for dispute resolution, among other factors.

Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation

1889 F St., N.W.
Washington, D.C., 20006
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 370-4526
Fax: (202) 458-6250