Politics

OAS observers to return to Brazil to monitor elections in October

Members of the mission were introduced to Brazil’s electronic system

Andreia Verdélio

Published on 27/08/2018 - 18:33

Brasília

Responsável pela missão da OEA, presidente da Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, testa urna eletrônica — © Divulgação/TSE

The Organization of American States (OAS) Election Observation Mission ended its preparatory visit for the observation of the October general elections. The group’s last engagement took place on Friday (Aug. 24) at Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE), where members were introduced to the country’s electoral system. A team of 50 to 60 observers will monitor the elections from a number of locations within the Brazilian territory.

The OAS representatives were welcomed by recently appointed TSE Chief Justice Rosa Weber, became acquainted with the Brazilian electronic voting system, watched demonstrations of how the voting machine operates, and cast a mock ballot.

This is the first time the country has OAS observers monitoring its elections. Nonetheless, since 2010, the country has carried out international visiting programs during its general elections, in which officials from other countries are invited to take part in a series of appointments organized by the court.

The electoral court stated that the Election Observation Mission is a much more comprehensive cooperation mechanism. In addition to spending more time in Brazil, observers will be allowed not only to watch the routine on election day, but also pre- and post-election procedures. The goal of the OAS is to scrutinize financing operations, organization, technology, access for people with disabilities, and the inclusion of women, black, and indigenous people in the country’s political life.

After the general elections, the mission will put together a report on the strongest points, possible weaknesses, and make recommendations. The document will be submitted to Brazilian authorities and subsequently to the OAS’s Permanent Council, and will serve as base for cooperation between the organization and the country observed—an effort aiming to have the recommendations implemented.

Since its first mission, in Costa Rica, back in 1962, the OAS has conducted 250 missions in 27 countries, among which the US and Mexico.