Interactive event in Warsaw showcases ODIHR’s use of digital pens in observing elections

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) held a presentation on its use of digital pen technology in observing elections at an event on 11 September 2018, during the annual OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw.

The event, held within the context of ODIHR’s evolving observation methodology, highlighted how the Office equips election observers with digital pens to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of recording election day data, as well as to expedite analysis.

Participants received an introduction to the use of the digital pens and were then able to test them to understand how data is transmitted, received and analysed.

The pens are equipped with a camera that scans information from the special paper on which  observation forms are printed. Observers are then able to transmit the data via a linked cell phone to mission headquarters, for immediate use by election experts and statistical analysts.

“Digital pens allow observation missions to receive and analyse data in real-time,” said Alexander Shlyk, Head of the ODIHR Election Department. “Observers are also able to spend more time in polling stations following procedures. All this contributes to a deeper and more comprehensive assessment of election day.”

The ODIHR election observation methodology is widely recognized for its professional and systematic approach and serves as guidance for other international and citizen observer organizations.