Preparations have begun for Angolan legislative elections in 2008, and a presidential election in 2009. Since 2003, NDI has assisted Angolan civic networks interested in election observation activities.  In 2006 the Institute helped establish a coordinating body, the National Platform, to standardize trainings, forms and press statements.

Since the launch of voter registration in November 2006, the National Platform has coordinated observation of the registration process in all 18 provinces.  The registration process has provided an opportunity for observers to gain monitoring experience, and for the Platform to test observation and reporting techniques. 

Independent observation of electoral processes by nonpartisan civic groups could help build public confidence and improve prospects for credible elections. The last elections, held in 1992, resulted in a decade of violence due to opposition allegations that the process was neither free nor fair.  Citizens still largely associate elections with violence, and have expressed lingering fear and anxiety regarding the upcoming polls.

NDI-Angola and the NDI Information and Communications Technology (ICT) team have strategized to help the National Platform develop new tools for data collection and reporting. With NDI’s help, the Platform is beginning to use a computerized data collection system, with scannable observation forms that let the Platform record and sort observation information.   

The new technology uses scanners with “intelligent character recognition” software, which reads handwritten data on observation forms and allows the Platform to upload that information to a centralized computer database.  The database can process scanned observer reports around the country, reducing data collection time and the potential for human error.   

NDI-Angola and the ICT team have given ongoing technical assistance to the National Platform throughout the development of the data-collection system.  The Platform has used the voter registration process as a testing period for the system, helping to familiarize observers with the technology in advance of the elections.   

With faster access to more accurate data, the National Platform can comment on the integrity of Angolan elections and draft detailed public statements soon after the polls close. This technology can help the Platform — and other election observation groups worldwide — verify vote results quickly, share data more widely, and focus human and financial resources more effectively on monitoring the vote.  

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Published on June 22, 2007