Frequently
Asked Questions
What type of people are you looking for to serve as
observers?
Our goal is to invite and involve people from a broad
range of backgrounds to learn and share in the experience of being an electoral
observer. At the same time, your involvement will serve as a powerful message of
support to the people of Latin America. It will also give you an opportunity to learn
first-hand about the country's electoral process, its political history and the
contemporary issues facing its civil society. You will be encouraged
to join with other Canadians and Latin Americans to work together on common social
justice issues.
We want to encourage the participation of persons who come
from a variety of educational, professional, economic, age, gender and ethnic
backgrounds. We are looking for persons from one or more of the following
communities:
·
students (high-school and university)
·
government employees (municipal, provincial, federal)
·
academics
·
non-governmental organizations
·
aboriginal
·
human rights
·
business
·
religious
·
women
·
environmental
The group size, for the purposes of organization and
logistical considerations, will be limited to no more than 20 delegates. If
there is interest expressed by more than 20 applicants then we will have to
consider certain criteria to assist in our selection process.
Top of Page
Do I need to be able to speak Spanish to participate?
Not necessarily. Our goal is to have a number of delegates
who are fluent in Spanish (i.e. able to converse, write and translate in
Spanish). Spanish speaking members of the delegation may be requested to
translate for the non-Spanish speaking members of group. The expectation is that
the group will be divided into teams of four to five persons. At least one
Spanish speaker will be a part of each team.
What kind of skills or background are you looking
for?
We are looking for committed and conscientious individuals
who have a genuine interest in learning and working together with Canadians and
Latin Americans. Applicants should:
·
speak conversational Spanish (not required, but helpful)
·
come from one or more of the community groups outlined above
·
be able to assist with the organization of the delegation
·
be able to attend two full-day orientation sessions in Victoria
prior to departure
·
work well in a group setting and under stressful situations
·
have good mental and physical health
·
commit to follow-up education work upon returning home
Top of Page
What is expected of me as a delegate member?
All members will be required to attend two one-day
workshop/training sessions in Victoria. We
will also be organizing fundraising and public education events around the work
of the delegation. Everyone is encouraged to help out in these areas.
During the first week, the delegation will
spend time building team
cohesion; meeting with representatives from various community groups, learning
about the country's electoral process and political history and receiving training
in observation techniques.
On election day the delegation will be divided into teams.
These teams will travel throughout the country to visit pre-selected polling booths. Our role will be to observe and document
what goes on at each polling booth. A report will be issued with our findings
following the election.
It should be emphasized
that your role as an observer is not to intervene or become involved in any
disputes or potential electoral irregularities. Most Latin American
constitutions
prohibits the participation of foreigners in the country’s political process.
Any foreigner who contravenes this law is subject to a fine and arrest. Our role
will be simply to observe and report.
Following election day, the
delegation will gather to debrief and document our findings in
the form of a written report. That report will then be issued to local
supporting organizations. We may also meet with media, government officials and other
international observers to share our findings.
Top of Page
What is the cost to participate and who organizes the
delegation?
Delegates are required to pay the costs associated with the
project (travel, accommodation, food, etc). To assist with the costs, the
delegation coordinators will organize a number of fundraising activities. In
previous delegations we have been able to raise sufficient funds to cover
accommodation and food costs. The delegation’s coordinators are also looking
to access funding from a variety of government and non-government sources.
Any
monies raised will defray costs associated with the delegation.
The estimated costs of being a delegate are:
·
$700-$900 airfare (return) from Victoria
·
$300 accommodation
·
$240 food (estimated at $20 per day)
·
$300 miscellaneous expenses (entertainment, travel, etc.)
·
$150 delegation fee (organization costs)
Total: $1,700
(Please note that all quotes are in Canadian funds. Travel
and accommodation costs may be higher for those who journey to other parts of
the country to observe the election.)
The delegation coordinators will make arrangements for
training, air travel, accommodation, ground transportation and food. The
one-time administration fee of $150 is required to underwrite the costs
associated with organizing the delegation.
Any individual efforts to raise funds to cover the cost of
your trip are also encouraged. On previous delegations, members have approached
their local union, student association, community group or church for financial
support. Any ideas that you may have for fundraising will be most welcome.
For Further Information
If
you would like further information please contact Steve Baileys at 388-0936 or email us at elections@commonborders.org
Top of Page
