In pursuit of improving the quality of electoral processes: the experience of creation of Electoral Observatory of Bariloche

Abstract

The electoral observation allows for finding problems, inconsistencies and mistakes in the development of elections. These problems undermine the right to vote of citizens. Moreover, based on the results of electoral observations the quality of elections can be assessed, helping to legitimize the democratic process regarding the election of authorities.

In Argentina, there is little experience in electoral observation. In 2011 the National Electoral Chamber established a registry of entities of civic accompaniment, giving leeway to activities of electoral observation at the national level, and also in specific jurisdictions. In 2015, the Electoral Observatory of San Carlos de Bariloche (ObserBar) was instituted, as a joint initiative of the National University of Comahue and the Department of Protection of Citizens from Bariloche.

This article describes the logistics used to set up ObserBar, gives the main results of the observations done during 2015, and describes the influence of the electoral observatory on the community. Four electoral observations were done during 2015, at the municipal, provincial and national level (first and second poll). A total of 115 volunteers were recruited. Volunteers had very diverse background, representing distinct sectors of society. In each election between 4% and 11% of polling stations were observed.

The results of the observations were shared with electoral authorities. These observations stressed the need to intensify the training of polling authorities and some work in this direction was already organized after the first observed election. 

The logistic of the organization of ObserBar can be used for the creation of electoral observatories in other towns.