Subject: [CivilSoc] Announcement of study trip and election observation in Russia
From: Andrey Ozharovskii (andrey@host.cis.lead.org)
Date: Sat Sep 09 2000 - 15:24:19 EDT
International Discussion Club - Election Observation Program
Study Trip and Election Observation
at local elections and by-elections in Russia
Autumn - Winter 2000
BRIEFLY
IDC invites political leaders, active members of political parties and
youth political organisations and NGOs, students, people involved
into political and East European studies to take part in political
seminars and to join the team of official foreign observers at
upcoming local and by- elections in Russia.
The elections are:
+ October 15th, St. Petersburg, Duma deputy by-election, Northern
District #209;
+ October 29th, Novorossiysk, Mayoral election;
+ December 3rd, Murmansk oblast, Monchagorsk District #115;
+ December 3rd, Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Kray Governors'
election.
BACKGROUND
According to Russian legislation the election procedure is open for
domestic and foreign observers. IDC has a good experience in field
of international election observation at all the general elections in
Russia since 1993 and at a number of local elections.
To be recognised as an observer, a participant must be supported
by a Russian organisation or institution and to get accreditation at
the Central Election Commission of Russia. IDC is able to assist
with this legal procedure.
Local elections and by-elections in Russia are more interesting
than federal ones, as they have direct influence to everyday life of
the people. Often there is more serious political struggle at the
local elections. From another side, there is luck of local democracy
in Russia. Many political parties do not have local branches.
Democracy has no "roots" and there is rather a fight between
"groups" and individual figures, than between political parties and
values at local elections.
OSCE and other international organisations usually do not monitor
local elections and by-elections, so it is the job for NGOs. IDC will
try to do this job well. And we hope that you will help us and join
IDC crew of international election observers.
AIMS AND PURPOSES
* To introduce the participants into Russian political life.
* To assist carrying out free and fair elections and to prevent law
violations during the elections.
* To carry out international election observation.
LOCATIONS
ST. PETERSBURG is a very special city of Russia. We call it The
Second Capital, but at the same time "Cultural Capital" and
"Criminal Capital". Cultural importance of museums and
architecture of St. Petersburg is well known. But during last two
years at several elections "dirty technologies" were used there.
MURMANSK is the largest city in Russian North. Recently it
became known because of the tragic catastrophe of the Kursk
nuclear submarine. The by-election will be in Monchagorsk district -
in some 200 km to South from Murmansk. This is quite a
provincial area and local authorities can try to interfere the election
process. This summer IDC sent 3 foreign observers there - and
they were the first foreigners ever monitor elections in that district.
NOVOROSSIYSK is the largest southern port of Russia and the
largest industrial city on the Black Sea. It is not the capital of the
province (Krasnodar Kray) that's why local elections there are quite
interesting as local politicians can "play" both with federal and
provincial political forces.
IDC has branches in all these cities. In 1999-2000 these branches
have got experience in organisation of international election
observation. So, we do have opportunities to host observers,
provide logistic support and to carry out local seminars and
trainings.
PROGRAM
We offer a program which combines a 3-days introduction political
seminar, election observation on the voting day and de-briefing and
preparing reports to the Central Election Commission after the
election day.
During the seminar the participants will be introduced into Russian
electoral legislation and in political situation in the districts. Site
visits to headquarters of political parties and candidates, as well as
attending rallies and press-conferences is also in our agenda.
The participants will also receive training for election observation.
Seminar and training will be held in English and Russian.
At the voting day the participants will monitor voting and results
tabulation at polling places and in territorial election commissions.
Necessary accreditation will be provided by IDC.
Provisional programs will be published at IDC website.
SCHEDULE
* Arriving to Moscow or St. Petersburg, transportation to the
destination (Wednesday).
* A 3-days introduction seminar and observers training (Thursday -
Saturday).
* Election observation (Sunday).
* De-briefing, reports drafting (Monday)
* Transportation to Moscow or St. Petersburg, departure home
(Tuesday)
As we do not expect many participants the program and schedule
can be adopted to individual wishes.
PARTICIPANTS
Everyone who is interested in election observation, has basic
knowledge of political and electoral systems and some knowledge
of Russia and Russian language can apply for participation. To
apply one should fill in an application form.
Application deadline is 3 weeks before the voting day. IDC will
make selection and will inform about it results.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Unfortunately we do not have a grant for this project. All the
participants should cover their expenses themselves and to pay an
admission fee of $50. The participants can apply to foundations in
their countries on to their national Foreign ministries for the
support. The IDC will assist in getting the Russian visa, will assist
with accommodation and in country transportation. The ground
costs depends on duration of stay and on your requests. We will
send a provisional ground costs calculation to those who is
interested to apply.
For application forms and further details, please visit our website
http://idc.cis.lead.org/observer/
Or give us e-mail: andrey@host.cis.lead.org
ORGANISERS
International Discussion Club (IDC) is a Russian NGO for
international co-operation. IDC is NOT a debating society. We are
a project-orientated voluntary public association with branches in
Moscow, St. Petersburg, Minsk Novorossiysk and Murmansk.
We invite international observers to Russian elections since 1993.
During the previous federal elections in December 1999 and in
March 2000 over 40 participants took part in the IDC programs.
Please, visit IDC Observers’ Site - http://idc.cis.lead.org/observer/
to find updates about the program in 2000 and reports about our
previous activity.
CONTACTS
Andrey Ozharovskii, IDC president,
andrey@host.cis.lead.org, andrey_o@orc.ru
fax: +7-095-9563586
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