Fighting Fake observation

Fighting fake observation to strengthen the resilience of democratic institutions

What is fake election observation?

Fake election observation ignores common standards and good practice of international election observation as defined in relevant basic documents

Fake observation is politically biased international election observation. It is a form of political activity performed by international actors and aimed at advancing interests of politicians and political forces by imitating credible election monitoring during electoral processes.

Politically biased or ‘fake’ election observation aims at advancing interests of political forces by imitating credible election monitoring during electoral processes. EPDE has monitored this phenomenon for years and has developed a database identifying fake observers.

Why do politicians engage in fake observation?

To whitewash electoral fraud for domestic and international audiences
To legitimise electoral processes considered illegitimate by the international community
To delegitimise and weaken the institution of free and fair elections
To subvert and/or relativise findings of credible election observation
To weaken political rivals
To build networks of influence