About
Partisan Observers was created after I experienced difficulties observing elections as an Accredited Observer with my country's Electoral Commission. After the difficulties, I completed the OSCE's Comprehensive E-Learning Course for OSCE/ODIHR Observers, and observed the next national election as a candidate's Polling and Count Agent.
My country then entered a period of social and economic turmoil, there were a small number of riots and allegedly people were put in prison for criticising government policies. At the same time, a number of dissident journalists say they were detained and interrogated when returning to the country. I decided to lie low and ponder what to do.
After one year of rumination, I formulated the following thoughts:
our elections are well run and have a high level of public trust
public trust in state institutions is declining
trust in elections is lower amongst campaigners for newer opposition parties, especially trust in the postal vote
my own experience and knowledge of electoral matters is limited
any reporting should be to election authorities, rather than published
Then, this year's elections have been cancelled in some parts of the country. A new law makes those facilitating the discussion of political matters responsible for what was said. Opposition leaders in some nearby countries have been imprisoned or barred from standing in elections. In recent weeks there has been talk in the national press about my country having a five percent chance, per year, of entering a period of civil war. We had a regional civil war during my youth, a department store in my home city was bombed by the rebels, killing civilians. As I mentioned, activists for newer opposition parties have lower trust in the election process than the general public and activists from established parties. I think we should try to increase their trust.
Anyway, enough about my country, the United Kingdom. The Partisan Observers organisation provides a mechanism for activists in newer opposition parties to see for themselves that elections are conducted fairly, and provides a back channel to election authorities, reporting perceived shortcomings. It is for any country. It is, counter-revolutionary!
Pepe, 23rd April 2023