Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world. This includes electoral processes. We recruit, train and deploy election observers to undertake long and short-term observations around the world. We also recruit observers on behalf of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

We are currently looking for people interested in becoming election observers to register their interest and sign up to receive further information about election observation missions. You do not need any prior experience to sign up to our election observer mailing list.

WFD maintains an election observer mailing list to facilitate our contact with potential election observers. The mailing list includes some limited personal information: names, nationalities, and email addresses.

We regularly use the mailing list to notify interested observers about upcoming international observation missions, mainly but not exclusively with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Please note: for OSCE/ODIHR missions, WFD is only able to deploy UK citizens to participate. If you do not have British citizenship but are a citizen of an OSCE country, please contact your national focal point. For other (non-OSCE/ODIHR) WFD-sponsored observation missions, non-UK citizens are eligible to apply.

This open call is directed at both experienced observers who are not currently on the WFD election observation mailing list, as well as at newcomers interested in working as an election observer.

WFD election observer signup form

Sign up by entering your details into the form below

FAQ

How long does an average election observation mission assignment take?

A long term observer (LTO) assignment is typically 3-6 weeks, but can be longer. A short term observer (STO) assignment is typically 7-10 days.

Do I need experience in election observation to sign up?

For those taking part in long-term observation missions, we typically require experience on observing with at least 3 short-term observation missions.

For short term observers (STOs), we look for people with relevant skills, knowledge, and/or experience in electoral processes, international foreign assistance, diplomacy, or other related areas.

Those with no previous experience may have an opportunity to participate in WFD online trainings, and are eligible to take online courses with OSCE/ODIHR at https://www.odihrobserver.org/.

If I am selected as an observer, will my travel and accommodation expenses be paid?

WFD arranges all travel and pays a per diem for STOs covering accommodation and food; for OSCE/ODIHR missions these rates are set by OSCE/ODIHR.

WFD arranges all travel and pays a per diem and fee for all LTO assignments; for OSCE/ODIHR missions these rates are set by OSCE/ODIHR.

Payment for travel may be subject to current location of residency; WFD will typically cover all costs when travelling to and from the UK (including transportation to and from the relevant international airport), but this may not be possible if travelling from another country.

WFD will support observers in visa processes and cover potential costs.