The task envisages the establishment of a tech-toolbox for citizen election observers that allows easy access to practical solutions, instruments, technologies, and information on monitoring and countering challenges to election integrity posed by the digital age. These findings should be made accessible to citizen election observers throughout the election process, from pre-election/campaigning, on election day, until post-election analysis.
The toolbox should be gradually developed in close coordination with the EPDE secretariat and EPDE member organisations and adjusted to the needs and expertise of citizen election observers.
EPDE seeks to engage an expert who will design and set up the tech-toolbox.
Objectives of the Assignment
The overall objective is to:
- Strengthen knowledge of citizen election observers on monitoring and analysis of digital interference into electoral processes – namely (mis)use of AI, FIMI, and DIMI on social media and illicit online campaign financing
- Provide methodological tools for effective digital election observation according to the current needs and developments; collect specific methods and techniques on how to observe and report digital interference in elections
- Propose practical solutions (concept) for how to make tools and methods accessible for citizen election observers (online platform, webinars, database)
Scope of Work
- Conduct an evaluation among citizen election observers and other experts and research on available and already applied instruments in the field of OSINT analysis, monitoring the role of generative AI in elections, research of FIMI & DIMI in elections, research of illicit campaign financing, and other relevant fields
- Give a structured overview of the findings, identify gaps and missing knowledge
- Compile existing and missing methodologies and tools, including related companies, networks, and experts (internal and external)
- Draft practical digital solutions for making findings accessible for citizen election observers to learn and apply the technologies
- Facilitate and conduct online engagements with citizen election observers to learn how to use the tech-toolbox.
Deliverables
- Overview of EPDE applied and missing tech-tools and methodologies
- Comprehensive Tech-toolbox with instruments
- Draft Platform design or other solution
- Introductory online training for citizen election observers
Duration
March – April 2026: research and evaluation
May – June 2026: development of the toolbox
July – August 2026: introduction to citizen election observers