Application by competent organisations for monitoring and observation of the 2023 senatorial elections has been closed. February 20th, 2023 marked the deadline for entries. At press time, 38 files had been received at the Ministry of Territorial Administration for the observation of senatorail elections, scheduled for March 12, 2023. The information was brought to the knowledge of the press by the Department of Political Affairs of the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT). On 18th January 2023, Minister Atanga Nji Paul of the Ministry of Territorial Administration launched entry and application for organisations who wish to observe elections. Officials of the unit responsible for receiving the required documents disclosed that, the 38 files already received indicates that the number of requests for the 2023 sénatoriales elections has increased compared to the 2018 senatorial Elections. Last year about thirty three organisations received accreditation from MINAT to observe elections.
Files that were rejected in the previous senatorial elections were noted for being incomplete including the absence of passports, the absence of a mission order issued by the structure or organization that employs the observer, and the absence of lists of designated observers by the organisation that wants to observe elections. Other issues included the problem of a receipt to indicate that they actually belonged to a legally recognized association or organization that is used for observing elections. Only complete files were approved by MINAT.
Officials of the Department of Political Affairs at the Ministry of Territorial Administration also noted that several files received were introduced by locals and that among these applicants, there were few new observers, most of them having already observed at least two elections. All eyes are now fixed to see the publication of the list of observers for the 12th March ,2023 senatorial Elections by the ministry of Territorial Administration.
On the 18th of January 2023, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji Paul, signed a communique, inviting partners who wish to observe elections to submit their files. In it it was stated that files can be submitted at the Department of Political Affairs at the Ministry of Territorial Administration. The communique spelled out the file composition for organisations who wish to observe including; an application letter addressed to the minister of Territorial Administration, a copy of the instrument certifying the legal existence of the organization or association, the list of observers including full identities and specifying the areas where they will want to observe and a copy of an observation report of a previous election or any other document deemed appropriate.
Meanwhile in addition to the aforementioned requirements, international observers are expected to provide
a copy of the passport, identification page and the page bearing the visa and the entry stamp, a mission order issued by the employing institution or organisation, a photocopy of the round-trip air ticket where applicable, medical and repatriation insurances, proof of sufficient resources to sustain the stay and activities of the observation mission.
Experts hold that election observation is a valuable tool for improving the quality of elections. Observers help build public confidence in the honesty of electoral processes. Observation can help promote and protect the civil and political rights of participants in elections. It can lead to the correction of errors or weak practices, even while an election process is still under way. It can deter manipulation and fraud, or expose such problems if they do occur. When observers can issue positive reports, it builds trust in the democratic process and enhances the legitimacy of the governments that emerge from elections. Election observation by home based civil society organisations encourages civic involvement in the political process. Following elections, reports and recommendations by observer groups can lead to changes and improvements in national law and practice.
Usually, before the election, observers review the country’s election-related legislation, candidate, party and voter registration, campaign activity, media coverage, election administration, and the handling of electoral complaints and appeals. Observers receive briefings from government, political parties, civil society and media representatives. On election day, observers monitor the opening of polling stations, checking whether ballot boxes are empty and properly sealed, and whether all ballots are accounted for. Throughout the day, observers monitor how voters are processed, the accuracy of voter registries, and whether voters are able to freely vote against intimidation
Generally, election observers should gave the ability to act objectively and independently, have a good knowledge and understanding of electoral processes and democratic issues, be acquainted with international standards for elections and the international human rights conventions and be flexible and willing to work under demanding conditions.
By Mildred Ndum Wung Kum with Cameroon Tribune as Story Source
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