election-watch.eu

On 22 September 2026, Election-Watch.EU is hosting the webinar Recognised, Protected, Effective: Facilitating Election Observation as a Safeguard of Electoral Integrity, that will also launch the Model Framework for Election Observer Accreditation Procedures.

The webinar will discuss what are the most common barriers that citizen observers face in accessing electoral processes, which administrative or legislative provisions have proven most effective in addressing them, and what role can EU and national institutions play in strengthening observation recognition frameworks. It will also explore the practical implementation of the Model Observer Accreditation Framework and strategies for electoral reform advocacy, especially in EU Member States where accreditation of election observers is not regulated.

Event Details & Registration 

The online event takes place on Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 15:00–16:15 CEST on Zoom. Register here.

The programme includes an introduction to the Model Observer Accreditation Framework, followed by a panel discussion, Observer recognition and facilitating frameworks in the context of
wider European policy and reform landscape, featuring the following speakers:

• Marie-Hélène Boulanger, Acting Director of Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights and Democracy, DG JUST, European Commission
• Niklas Wilhelmsson, Head of the Democracy and Election Unit and Deputy Director of the Department for Democracy and Public Law at the Ministry of Justice in Finland. Vice-chair of the Council of Europe Steering Committee on Democracy (CDDEM)
• Zofia Lutkiewicz, Political Accountability Foundation, President; Board Member, European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) and Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM)

The session will be moderated by Beata Martin-Rozumiłowicz, current Deputy Chief Observer EU EOM Zambia & Special Advisor to the European Commission, Advisory Board Member of Election-Watch.EU.

Download the full agenda here. 

About the Framework

Independent election observation is a cornerstone of transparent, credible elections and public trust in democratic processes. However, its effectiveness depends directly on legal frameworks that recognise and protect the right to observe, and clear, transparent administrative procedures that turn that right into meaningful access. In many countries, however, one or both are absent.

Across the European Union, the legal and practical landscape for election observation remains fragmented, and citizen election observers frequently face legal barriers and discretionary practices in the absence of clear statutory recognition.

The Model Accreditation Framework provides a concrete, scalable tool to bridge these gaps by:

• Offering an operational reference for Election Management Bodies (EMBs) to design clear, non-discriminatory accreditation procedures.
• Serving as an advocacy guideline for civil society organisations working to protect and advance non-partisan citizen observation rights.
• Supporting legislators and policymakers in developing solid legal frameworks where observer rights are not yet codified.

Read more on the Framework here.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

citizen election observation, election observation, observer accreditation