The Election Observation: Theory and Practice Project (EOTP) was launched in 2007 at the initiative of the students of European Humanities University (EHU) and Swedish International Liberal Centre (SILC). SILC was the partner of the project until 2011. Today, EOTP is jointly implemented by the Belarus Watch, European Humanities University and Belarusian Human Rights House in exile in Vilnius.

The project provides young Belarusians with analytical and critical framework for evaluation of political processes and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the experience of independent observers from Belarus and to gain practical skills via actual observation of elections in the neighboring countries. The combination of the theoretical and practical parts is helpful both for election observers with prior experience in the field as well as for those who do not have these skills. In this way, it is possible to target different groups who could share experience and contribute to the increase in the number of Belarusians with the understanding of the importance of free and fair elections for the democratic future of Belarus.

The format of the project allows to combine the expertise of prominent political scientists, experience of active observers and the work and efforts by highly motivated participants to improve the situation in the country. Participation in the project of Lithuanian, Norwegian and Swedish students is beneficial for the multicultural nature of the project activities.

As of February 2012, twelve observation missions were already held within the above framework: in Norway (September 2007 and September 2009), Sweden (September 2010), Georgia (May 2008), Lithuania (October 2008 and May 2009), Latvia (October 2010), Estonia (March 2011), Poland (June 2010), Ireland (October 2011), Ukraine (January 2010) and Belarus (April and December 2010).

Financial support to the project is provided by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.