Preparatory Training (Canada, October 6th, 2005)
Preparatory training on democracy, citizen participation, electoral systems and election observation was provided to the participating students as well as their colleagues from Université de Moncton (NB) on October 6, 2005 . Ilona Dougherty of the organization Apathy is Boring talked about innovative initiatives undertaken to encourage the participation of young people during the 2004 federal elections. She also reviewed other initiatives, particularly those with the objective of promoting the participation of young people and women in democratic processes. She also discussed how the media has an impact on the work of Apathy is Boring. Ms. Annise Hollies, New Brunswick ’s Chief Electoral Officer, gave a presentation on the province’s electoral system and the responsibilities of institutions such as the office of the Chief Electoral Officer. She also discussed the general public’s perception of the institution. Razmik Panossian, Director of Policy, Programmes & Planning at Rights & Democracy discussed various aspects of the role of election observer through a presentation of actual situations. The training session was followed by a cultural evening with the participation of representatives of Université de Moncton’s association of Burkinan students.
Burkina Faso, October 31 to November 21, 2005
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Election observation training session (week of October 31)
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Meetings/interviews (from October 31 to November 21)
Meetings and interviews with bodies that work in areas related to issues studied by the participants: electoral bodies, civil society institutions (NGO, journalists, etc.). -
Observation of the elections (November 13)
Electoral observer accreditation of participants -
Roundtable/Assessment (week of November 14)
Roundtable to provide participants with an opportunity to talk about the perspectives studied and the experience of observing the November 13 elections with representatives of various communities.
