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Applying Technology in Election Observation

This document outlines the use of mobile technology in election observation, focusing on the experience of the National Election Watch Sierra Leone (NEW). Established in 2002, NEW has evolved as a coalition of 375 civil society organizations dedicated to monitoring elections and ensuring transparency. By leveraging SMS messaging for real-time reporting, NEW has improved the accuracy and speed of data collection among accredited observers. The lessons learned highlight the importance of training, the effectiveness of mobile communication, and strategies for overcoming operational challenges in election observation.

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Applying Technology in Election Observation

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  1. Applying Technologyin Election Observation Using Mobile Phones in Election Observation: Global Best Practices and Lessons Learned NATIONAL ELECTION WATCH SIERRA LEONE

  2. NEW Background • Formed in 2002 • Coalition of 375 Civil Society organizations • Established as a Permanent Observation group • Decentralized structure

  3. NEW Organization Structure

  4. Election Experience - 3 in 1 year PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! OR WE LEARNED FROM OUR MISTAKES!

  5. Why SMS Messaging? To collect critical information Quickly To create a report on the process Within 24 hours

  6. All Elections • All Polling Stations • Recruit Observers through member organizations • All Observers were accredited • Provide Observer Manual, tshirt, training and stipend • All Observers completed a Checklist submitted within 5 days • Priority Polling Stations • As above plus SMS reporting on 8 key areas within 24 hours • SMS Reporting form • SMS special instructions and training • Mobile phone credit sent directly to the phone

  7. Eight Key Areas • Polling Centre Number • Were voters properly verified and inked? • Were ballots properly issued? • Was there campaigning around the polling station? • Were voting procedures properly conducted? • Did any individual interfere or unduly influence? • Was counted conducted in an orderly and transparent way? • The elections were free and fair • The conduct of electoral commission staff was satisfactory

  8. Text Message Reporting Form

  9. Data Centre Coordination • Centralized at Secretariat Headquarters • Staff (All from member organizations) • Centre Coordinator • Technical Support/Database Coordinator • Telephone/Data entry clerks • Equipment • 8 mobile phones with SIM cards to receive messages • 4 Computers to review and verify data as it arrives • Software • Central database to accept and upload messages

  10. Observer Reporting

  11. Data Centre (Simplified)

  12. Limitations • Observers’ lack of familiarity with text messaging • Limited amount of time available for SMS training • No network coverage in some areas • Bad roads in rainy season • Observers changed phone numbers at the last minute • Technical problems sending phone credit to Observers

  13. Overcoming Limitations • Observers’ lack of familiarity with text messaging combined with • Limited amount of time available for SMS training • Created an SMS tip sheet • Selected more experienced people • No network coverage in some areas combined with • Bad roads in rainy season • Transported Supervisors to the polling station to get the information then to a coverage area from where they sent the SMS

  14. Overcoming Limitations continued • Observers changed phone numbers at the last minute combined with • Technical problems sending phone credit to Observers • Made sure the database of Observer information was sound • Verified phone numbers before sending phone credit • Sent credit the night before (any sooner and it will be used) • Ensured Observer was in coverage area so credit would be received • Supervisors sent the information with their own phone

  15. Best Practices • SMS Information • Keep it simple • What is the most important information to have right away? • Exclude letters that look like numbers (I, L, O) • Multiple phone companies (We used 4) • Spread the risk • National coverage • Contact the phone companies in advance so they are aware • Observer Selection • Test for SMS experience and knowledge • Training is of paramount importance

  16. Training

  17. Best Practices (continued) • Supervisors are important • Evaluate the number of polling stations for each • Provide transportation • Centralize the Data Collection • Put resources and expertise in one place • Decentralize Responsibility • Key to NEW’s election success • Communication • Open and regular • All levels of the organization

  18. NEW ELECTION OBSERVERS

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