Election Observation is an important component of the electoral process. In short, it is one of the parameters to ensure a free and fair election. There are two different types of election observers:

International observers:

These comprise of international bodies or organisations, embassies, charities, democratic institutions etc.

Domestic observers:

These comprise of local organisations, media houses, democratic institutions etc. 

The observation process begins from the registration of voters to the counting and dissemination of results. If it is difficult for the observers to come, during the registration of voters they come before the nomination of candidates. This enables them to judge whether the resources be it airtime, or otherwise, are equitably distributed or accessible to all the parties or candidates.

Usually, there is a briefing session for all the accredited observers wherein they are given the materials needed for the job. There is also a de-briefing session at the end of the elections. This is when they submit provisional reports on the election observation. They then submit actual reports to the commission at a later date on their findings.