Luca Saibene

Candidacy for Head of the Election Observation Missions Department

Why am I running?

I am running for Head of the Election Observation Missions Department because I strongly believe that independent election observation is an essential instrument for safeguarding democratic institutions, electoral integrity and fundamental rights. I would like to contribute to strengthening one of SILBA's most important activities while helping more young people gain meaningful experience in international democracy support.

My academic and professional background has consistently revolved around international affairs and democratic institutions. I hold a Master's degree in International Security from Sciences Po Paris, and I have gained practical experience working with International Organisations and diplomatic missions, including the OSCE, the United Nations, the European Commission, and the Permanent Missions of the Republic of San Marino in Vienna and Paris.

I have also had the opportunity to participate in several OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission as short-term observer, which gave me first-hand insight into the practical challenges and responsibilities involved in election observation. I hold the OSCE/ODIHR Comprehensive Course for Election Observers certificate, as well as several EU EOM certifications such as the Short-Term Election Observers and the Safety and Security Awareness. Additional training includes the UN Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) course and the UNDSS Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK 2.0) course.

During my experience with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), I worked on security monitoring, risk assessments and operational support in an international environment. I currently work within the European Commission's Security Directorate, supporting security training, communication and awareness initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my ability to assess risks, coordinate with different stakeholders and communicate complex information clearly.

I believe I could bring a combination of election observation knowledge, security awareness, international experience and organisational skills to this position. Most importantly, I would approach the role with a collaborative mindset: working closely with the EOM team, supporting coordinators and ensuring that SILBA's missions remain professional, well-organised and valuable learning experiences for everyone involved.

My Biggest Goal for the upcomming Board Term:

My main goal would be to strengthen the overall quality, consistency and sustainability of SILBA's Election Observation Missions by developing a more structured approach to their preparation, implementation and follow-up.

Concretely, I would work towards establishing a practical EOM handbook and standardised operational toolkit for coordinators, covering everything from mission planning, recruitment and observer training to logistics, security arrangements, reporting and post-mission evaluation. I would also encourage earlier planning and clearer timelines, allowing the department to identify electoral opportunities, build partnerships and recruit suitable coordinators well in advance.

An equally important priority would be to invest in the people behind the missions. I would like to ensure that coordinators receive adequate guidance and support, while observers benefit from effective preparation and meaningful feedback opportunities.

Ultimately, I want every SILBA EOM to be not only a successful observation mission, but also a well-managed, safe and educational experience that encourages participants to remain engaged with SILBA and its work beyond the mission itself.