22–25 october 2026 · sofia, bulgaria
Observe Democracy in Action
Join us for this intensive election observation workshop ahead of the upcoming Bulgarian Presidential Elections on 25 October 2026!
Organized in cooperation with the European Association for the Defence of Human Rights – Bulgaria, this activity combines expert-led training with practical field experience, where participants will gain first-hand insight into international election observation methodologies.
This workshop is designed for students, researchers, election professionals, civil servants, journalists and anyone interested in democratic governance and electoral integrity.
Why Participate?
The workshop offers a unique opportunity to:
- Learn the principles and methodology of international election observation.
- Understand the Bulgarian electoral system and institutional framework.
- Observe different stages of the electoral process in a real election environment.
- Develop practical observation skills through supervised fieldwork.
- Exchange experiences with experts and participants from different countries.
- Receive a Certificate of Participation issued by Electio Lab.
Workshop Highlights
Expert Training
Before election day, participants will attend interactive sessions covering:
- International standards for democratic elections
- Election observation methodology
- The Bulgarian electoral system
- Electoral administration
- Political context
- Election integrity and current challenges
- Observation ethics and Code of Conduct
Election Day Observation
Participants will be organised into observation teams and will visit polling stations throughout the day to observe:
- Opening procedures
- Voting operations
- Accessibility
- Polling station management
- Closing procedures
- Vote counting (where applicable)
Field observation will be conducted under the guidance of experienced election observers.
Debriefing Session
Following election day, participants will take part in a structured debriefing to:
- Share findings
- Compare observations
- Discuss good practices and challenges
- Learn how professional observation missions analyse collected information
Practical information
Dates: 22 to 25 October 2026 + online briefing on the 19th of October.
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Working Language: English
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete the workshop will receive an official Certificate of Participation issued by Electio Lab and the European Association for the Defence of Human Rights – Bulgaria.
Registration
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 18/09/2026
If you would like to pre-inscribe, please send a motivation letter and a CV, before the 18 of September, to: bulgaria2026@electio-lab.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all places are filled.
Organised by
in cooperation with
European Association for the Defence of Human Rights – Bulgaria