The Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO/OAS) is the entity within the Secretariat for Strengthening of Democracy responsible for developing and maintaining a permanent, professional electoral observation and technical cooperation service for member countries. Its work is based on continuous improvement and the consolidation of procedures and practices in this field.
The DECO Electoral Observation Section organizes, coordinates and implements electoral observation missions at the request of countries. Since the OAS sent its first Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) in 1962 to Costa Rica, the Organization has observed elections in 28 member states. The EOMs have become one of the flagship programs of the Organization, internationally recognized for their technical and professional rigor. To date, the Organization has deployed more than 331 Missions and over 14,500 experts, observers across the countries of the Americas.
Likewise, the Electoral Technical Cooperation Section provides technical assistance on electoral issues throughout the region. Its main function is to develop projects and activities that contribute to the modernization and improvement of the quality of services provided by electoral management bodies. Some of the areas of work include electoral administration, professionalization of electoral observation, peer-to-peer cooperation, electoral technology, women's political participation, disinformation and new communication technologies in electoral processes, among others. It also serves as a facilitator and support entity for discussions and actions aimed at mutual support and learning developed among the electoral bodies of the hemisphere.
The Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation of the OAS is part of the Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy (SSD).
- 1889 F St., N.W.
- Washington, D.C., 20006
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Phone: (202) 370-0181