MEP delegations deter vote riggers. These European missionaries preach democracy and human rights worldwide. They observe elections and meet local politicians to ensure all sides play fair in fragile democracies.

How It Works: Election Observation Missions

Do MEPs go to non-European countries   to observe elections?

If yes, what is their aim,   and how do they carry out checks?

Above all it's a way for the EU to promote   democracy and human rights worldwide.

The aim of the election   observation missions

is to deter fraud   throughout the election process,

especially in countries with   internal political tensions

or in those that are in   a post-war period,

like in Sudan where the first elections in   almost 25 years were held in April 2010.

Amongst the team of observers, from the   African Union and the rest of the world,

the EU mission was the largest,   with 136 people, including 6 MEPs.

The Parliament sends   between 5 to 7 MEPs,

nominated by the political groups   to become part of the EU mission.

We have EU observers who'll   go to the polling stations

checking voters are properly registered,   that there aren't any issues of fraud.

They'll check the technical side of voting   and that the process is transparent,

so that there is no possibility   of vote rigging.

They'll be present   at the counting of votes,

to observe that the opposition parties   are indeed in the room,

as is done in the 27 democratic   countries of the EU.

The role of these observers is important   before and after the elections.

Beforehand, they acquaint themselves   with the situation on the ground.

They meet lots of voters   and international observers,

the country's experts and representatives   of the main parties in the running.

Afterwards, the head of the mission   writes a final report.

Whether the observers approve   or have reservations about the elections

will have an impact on the government   elected to a certain degree.

Sometimes, the observers' safety is   greatly threatened, directly or indirectly.

the EU had to withdraw their staff   from Darfur in Sudan, for safety reasons.

The very first election observation mission   took place in El Salvador in 1984.

has sent over 100 delegations   to all 4 corners of the world.