26–29 November 2026 · Madrid, Spain
Observe Democracy in Action
Join us for this intensive election observation workshop in Madrid ahead of the upcoming Spanish Early General Elections!
Organized in cooperation with Transparencia Electoral, this activity combines expert-led training with practical field experience. Activities include academic meetings, visits to electoral and political institutions, and Election Day observation, giving participants 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 Spanish electoral system and institutional framework.
- Meet academics and visit electoral and political institutions.
- 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 and Institutional Visits
Before election day, participants will attend academic meetings, visits to electoral and political institutions, and interactive sessions covering:
- International standards for democratic elections
- Election observation methodology
- The Spanish 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: 26 to 29 November 2026
Location: Madrid, Spain
Working Language: English
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete the workshop will receive an official Certificate of Participation issued by Electio Lab and Transparencia Electoral.
Registration
LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE!
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 19/10/2026
For information about the participation fee and how to submit your application, please send an email before the 19th of October to: spain2026@electio-lab.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all places are filled.
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