Tony Reis has extensive experience in election observation, conflict resolution and programs aiming to promote and support democracy. Tony has been involved in more than 40 Election Observation Missions for EU (European Union), OAS (Organization of American States) and UN (United Nations) since 1990 in America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, most of the times as the Chief of the Mission. Tony has participated in numerous high level negotiations in Panama and in Nicaragua as the Deputy Advisor to the Secretary General of OAS. He was also the Head of the Special Mission which has negotiated and concluded the peace agreement to end civil conflict in Suriname and disarmed the illegal armed groups. Tony worked for World Bank in Washington and as journalist in numerous countries for the news agency Reuters.

Lars Lagergren has worked in election administration and observation for almost ten years. He spent most of that time in the Balkans where among other positions he was head of the OSCE Election Department in Kosovo for three years from 2004 to 2006. He was then responsible for all election matters including the 2004 general elections, establishment of local election bodies and the transfer of election responsibilities from the international community to local authorities. Lars has been involved in Election Observation Missions for EU, UN and OSCE since 1990 in Central America, Eastern Europe, West Africa and East Timor.

Cláudia Aranda is a journalist with extensive experience in different political contexts. Although a Portuguese national she was born in Mozambique where she lived until recently. Her studies have focused on the field of International Relations and Local Development; currently she is preparing the end of course dissertation for a Master’s Degree. Cláudia also has significant experience in electoral matters. She has been a part of the UNTAET (United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor) and of the IOM (International Organization for Migration) Out-of-Country Voting Program for the Iraqi elections. Within European Union Election Observation Missions she has accumulated relevant experience as an Electoral Observer in numerous countries.

Sylvie Blanchier has participated in numerous EU election observation missions as observer and as regional coordinator. Her most recent election observation missions were in countries such as Timor-Leste, Ecuador, Angola and Guinea-Bissau. Sylvie is post-graduate in International Law and has a Masters in European Security and Defense as well as a specialization in refugees’ related matters. She was part of UNHCR B.O Sana’a, Yemen.