In a world where democracy faces formidable challenges, and citizen participation emerges as a pivotal force in its fortification, this event endeavored to spotlight historical and contemporary experiences while fostering constructive discourse on enhancing citizen engagement in electoral observation. With the burgeoning significance of citizen electoral observation and the imperative to involve youth in democratic processes, our gathering aimed to illuminate past achievements and present realities, nurturing dialogue towards bolstering citizen participation in electoral observation.
Activity Objectives:
- Engage in Global Discourse: Participate in discussions echoing themes from the third Democracy Summit via Partners for Democracy Day.
- Explore Citizen Electoral Observation: Delve into the role of citizen electoral observation in upholding the integrity of elections.
- Empower Youth Engagement: Emphasize the significance of youth involvement in democratic frameworks, particularly in electoral observation.
- Showcase Past Electoral Observations: Present notable outcomes from prior electoral observations, highlighting lessons learned and exemplary practices.
- Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Foster idea-sharing among experts, civil society representatives, electoral authorities, and the broader community.
- Promote Collaboration: Encourage networking and collaboration among stakeholders invested in electoral observation and democracy promotion.
Expected Outcomes:
- Heightened Awareness: Increased understanding of citizen electoral observation’s pivotal role in fortifying democracy.
- Youth Empowerment: Enhanced comprehension of the challenges and opportunities surrounding youth participation in electoral observation.
- Concrete Action Points: Identification of tangible steps to enhance electoral observation processes and boost citizen engagement.
- Stakeholder Connections: Establishment of new partnerships and alliances among civil organizations, electoral authorities, and related entities.
- Renewed Commitment: Reaffirmation of commitment to democratic principles and the advancement of transparency in electoral processes.
Co-Organizers: Alma Cívica, TEDIC, SAKA – Decidamos, and Electoral Transparency
Activity Methodology:
The event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions to encourage active engagement. Case studies and findings from past electoral observations were shared, followed by expert analysis and participant reflections. The event was broadcasted via Zoom, with English translation and sign language interpretation provided for accessibility. Additionally, recordings were systematized for subsequent dissemination on social media platforms and in reports. The event adopted a hybrid format, accommodating both in-person and virtual attendance.
Schedule:
- Duration: Two and a half hours
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (local time in Paraguay), equivalent to 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CET)
- Structure: Welcome, First Conversation Round, Second Conversation Round, Closing and Conclusions
Invitation and Audience:
While the invitation was open, priority was accorded to members of the Superior Electoral Court, electoral observer volunteers, civil society organizations, OAS representatives, EU MOE representatives, and other relevant stakeholders.
Physical Space:
A designated area was allocated for the presentation of reports and materials on electoral observation from various organizations, facilitating material dissemination and fostering reflective engagement.
This event arose in a global context where democracy faces significant challenges, and citizen participation plays a crucial role in its strengthening. With the growing importance of citizen electoral observation and the need to involve youth in democratic processes, this event sought to highlight past and present experiences and foster constructive dialogue on improving citizen participation in electoral observation.
*This event was held in Spanish.