The EVER methodology tailors a combination of research, on-the-ground monitoring,
and relationship-building between stakeholders that best fits the context and
conflict dynamics within a country.
The EVER methodology consists of support and training to CSOs on monitoring/understanding
election violence as well as on collaboration and dialogue with stakeholders
to improve cooperation and capacity for prevention and/or mitigation.
CSOs are trained in the following 4 basic elements:
Assessment and research
- Develop an understanding of election violence – its impact, causes, actors,
variation within phases in the election cycle, etc.
- Conduct media/desk research to supplement information
- Interview stakeholders to assess security/conflict prevention measures in
place
Observation and documentation of incidents and wider political context
- Develop an understanding of the definition of an incident of violence and
what is indicated by each of the variables which we use to characterize it
- Observation and monitoring activities ‘on the scene’ – through attending
campaign / electoral events and visiting witnesses, sources, and scenes related
to reported incidents of violence
- Corroboration of information and fact checking, getting at least two sources
to confirm facts and supplementing media sources with another type: i.e. eyewitness,
other interview, police or hospital reports/personnel.
- Follow-up of leads on incidents after the fact, to ensure more comprehensive
data
- Documenting interviews and information in an informal monitoring log for
later reference
- Filling out incident report forms and delivering to central office and for
data entry
Reporting and sharing information
- Disseminating information to appropriate sources – i.e. internally, to stakeholders,
to the public
Relationship building and dialogue
- Encouraging/enabling dialogue among stakeholders across the electoral cycle
(pre- to post-election)
- Community-level presentations of data and its implications
The monitoring that results from the use of this methodology is ideally conducted
throughout the course of the election process from the pre-election campaigning
phase to post-election results declaration. The monitoring utilizes a standardized
form to capture key information about incidents of election violence so that
patterns of violence can be analyzed and appropriate steps taken to mitigate
the violence.