Using Mobile Phones in Election Observation:

Global Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Applying Technologyin Election Observation

NATIONAL ELECTION WATCH SIERRA LEONE

NEW BackgroundFormed in 2002Coalition of 375 Civil Society organizationsEstablished as a Permanent Observation

groupDecentralized structure

NEW Organization Structure

Election Experience - 3 in 1 year

Date Election # of Observe

rs

% of Polls

# of Priority Polling

StationsAugust 07

Presidential & Parliamentary

6,100 100% 500

Sept 07 Presidential Runoff

5,200 80% 500

July 08 Local Council

3,200 55% 500

* 38 wards were uncontested so the number of polling stations was reduced

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!OR

WE LEARNED FROM OUR MISTAKES!

Why SMS Messaging?

All ElectionsAll Polling Stations

Recruit Observers through member organizationsAll Observers were accreditedProvide Observer Manual, tshirt, training and stipendAll Observers completed a Checklist submitted within

5 daysPriority Polling Stations

As above plus SMS reporting on 8 key areas within 24 hours

SMS Reporting formSMS special instructions and trainingMobile phone credit sent directly to the phone

Eight Key AreasPolling Centre NumberWere voters properly verified and inked?Were ballots properly issued?Was there campaigning around the polling station?Were voting procedures properly conducted?Did any individual interfere or unduly influence?Was counted conducted in an orderly and

transparent way?The elections were free and fairThe conduct of electoral commission staff was

satisfactory

Text Message Reporting Form

Data Centre CoordinationCentralized at Secretariat HeadquartersStaff (All from member organizations)

Centre CoordinatorTechnical Support/Database CoordinatorTelephone/Data entry clerks

Equipment8 mobile phones with SIM cards to receive

messages4 Computers to review and verify data as it

arrivesSoftware

Central database to accept and upload messages

Observer Reporting

Data Centre (Simplified)

LimitationsObservers’ lack of familiarity with text

messaging Limited amount of time available for SMS

trainingNo network coverage in some areasBad roads in rainy seasonObservers changed phone numbers at the

last minuteTechnical problems sending phone credit to

Observers

Overcoming LimitationsObservers’ lack of familiarity with text messaging

combined withLimited amount of time available for SMS training

Created an SMS tip sheet Selected more experienced people

No network coverage in some areas combined withBad roads in rainy season

Transported Supervisors to the polling station to get the information then to a coverage area from where they sent the SMS

Overcoming Limitations continuedObservers changed phone numbers at the last minute

combined withTechnical problems sending phone credit to Observers

Made sure the database of Observer information was sound

Verified phone numbers before sending phone credit

Sent credit the night before (any sooner and it will be used)

Ensured Observer was in coverage area so credit would be received

Supervisors sent the information with their own phone

Best Practices1. SMS Information

Keep it simpleWhat is the most important information to have

right away?Exclude letters that look like numbers (I, L, O)

2. Multiple phone companies (We used 4)Spread the riskNational coverageContact the phone companies in advance so they

are aware3. Observer Selection

Test for SMS experience and knowledgeTraining is of paramount importance

Training

Best Practices (continued)4. Supervisors are important

Evaluate the number of polling stations for each

Provide transportation

5. Centralize the Data CollectionPut resources and expertise in one place

6. Decentralize ResponsibilityKey to NEW’s election success

7. CommunicationOpen and regularAll levels of the organization

NEW ELECTION OBSERVERS