Why am I running?

I am running for EOM Manager because SILBA has become an important part of my professional growth, and I see this role as a natural next step in my involvement with the organisation. Since joining the Election Observation Mission Department in June 2025, I have progressively taken on different responsibilities and gained a solid understanding of how the department operates and how election-related activities are developed and implemented.

As a member of the EOM Department, I have primarily contributed to the preparation and research work behind SILBA’s election observation activities. This has included supporting mission selection, preparations and administrative coordination, conducting desk research and monitoring political developments and electoral frameworks in countries where SILBA operates, as well as contributing to post-mission follow-up and reporting. I have also had the opportunity to participate directly in the missions as an election observer in Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, gaining first-hand experience of SILBA’s observation methodology and field operations.

More recently, I took on broader coordination responsibilities in SILBA’s youth electoral participation project in Armenia, implemented in cooperation with APY and VU. As an Election Expert and member of the Coordination Team, I was involved in several aspects of project implementation, including planning and coordinating project activities, delivering training sessions in Yerevan on election observation methodologies, coordinating with international observers and local partners during the mission, and contributing to the reporting process. This progression has allowed me to become familiar with the different stages of SILBA’s election observation work, from the organisational and analytical preparations behind the missions to their implementation in the field and the coordination of wider election-related projects.

One of the things that has made my involvement with SILBA particularly meaningful has been the people I have met along the way. I have built wonderful connections and friendships, including with more experienced members who have generously shared their knowledge and experiences with me and whose work has been a real source of inspiration. Being part of this community has made me even more motivated to continue contributing to the organisation, take on new responsibilities and help create the same opportunities for others.

Finally, my work with international organisations and civil society organisations, including the European Commission (DG INTPA) and Transparency International Georgia, has given me valuable practical insights into international cooperation and democratic governance initiatives, which I hope to bring to the EOM Manager role.

I believe that the combination of my previous experience within SILBA and my broader professional background has prepared me to take on this responsibility. I would be proud to put these experiences at the disposal of the EOM Department and, on a personal note, honoured to become the first woman to lead it.

My Biggest Goal for the upcomming Board Term:

My main goal as EOM Manager would be to build on the work already carried out by SILBA and further strengthen its international project activities, particularly by continuing the experience gained through the youth electoral participation project implemented in Armenia this year in cooperation with APY and VU.

I believe this project has provided valuable experience and a good basis for further cooperation. I would therefore like to continue exploring opportunities for similar initiatives, focusing on areas such as electoral participation, youth engagement and democratic processes, while remaining closely aligned with SILBA’s existing activities and priorities.

To achieve this, I would focus on maintaining and strengthening the partnerships established through previous projects, while also identifying relevant funding opportunities, particularly under the EU’s CERV programme and other European funding instruments. Where appropriate, I would also seek opportunities to collaborate with other organisations and participate in international consortia, building on the expertise and networks already available within SILBA.

Overall, my aim would be to ensure continuity in the department's work while gradually expanding its project activities and international cooperation. I would be keen to consolidate the experience gained in Armenia and build on it through further initiatives during the next board term.