International election observation missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade aims to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level on international election observation missions. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union or the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE-ODIHR).
The EU and the OSCE-ODHIR regularly issue calls for the nomination of observers to participate in the election missions organised under their auspices. The Department reviews each call and responds accordingly on a case-by-case basis, including with regard to the overall annual budget available for participation in election observation missions and the resources of the Department's Elections Desk.
On 3 January 2019 the OSCE-ODHIR issued a call for the nomination of Long Term Observers (LTOs) in respect of the Presidential Elections in Ukraine. As security vetting of the new roster and preparation for training was underway at the time, a decision was taken not to circulate the LTO call.
On 12 February 2019 the OSCE-ODHIR issued a call for the nomination of Short Term Observers (STOs) in respect of the same election. This call was circulated to roster members who had completed the minimum required National Vetting Bureau procedures. Twenty three roster members - 6 women and 17 men - applied. Having considered each application, and having given full consideration to a special request from the OSCE-ODHIR that Participating States consider increasing their nominations, on an exceptional basis the Department nominated all 23 volunteers - 22 of whom subsequently participated in the mission.
To support the observation mission during the election's second round, the OSCE-ODIHR requested the nomination of 750 STOs. This call was circulated to those who were already accredited as observers having participated in the first round. In line with the normal number of short-term observers deployed to OSCE election observation missions, Ireland nominated five observers for the second round: on this occasion those nominated comprise 2 women and 3 men.
