Matteo Bezzi

As a member of the EU EOM Core Team, I assisted in planning and implementing the deployment, supervision, and coordination of Long-Term and Short-Term Observers across all regions. I contributed to the preparation and delivery of observer briefings and ensured timely communication between the Core Team and observer teams in the field.

As part of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Ecuador 2025, I was based in Quito, responsible for providing operational support to observers deployed across 14 different provinces and monitoring security developments in assigned areas. I liaised with local authorities and security actors to assess risks, ensure the safe deployment of observers, and provide timely analysis and support. I developed contingency plans, coordinated crisis responses and medical evacuations, and regularly briefed observers on security risks and mitigation measures. My role played a key part in supporting the mission’s field operations, contributing to the overall safety and effectiveness of the EU EOM.

As a member of the OSCE-ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission to the United States for the 2025 general elections, I observed, assessed, and reported on key aspects of the electoral process in my area of responsibility (Montana and Wyoming). This included electoral preparations and implementation, the effectiveness and impartiality of the election administration, the pre-election political environment, minority participation, gender inclusiveness, the handling of election complaints and appeals, and security issues.

As the Head of Office with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) in Sincelejo, I led and coordinated a verification team that monitored the reintegration of former FARC-EP combatants, ensured the implementation of security guarantees and protection measures, oversaw sanctions imposed by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), and addressed rural reform and ethnic issues. I established and maintained strong relationships with UN counterparts, government representatives, civil society, military, law enforcement, and academic institutions. Additionally, I prepared summary and analytical documents, including sensitive communications for UNVMC HQ, and coordinated and supervised a team.

As a member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, I researched, collected, and analyzed information on human rights, international humanitarian, and criminal law issues. I led investigations by interviewing victims and witnesses, gathering and verifying evidence to substantiate allegations of human rights violations.

As the Head of Office in Sincelejo with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, I led and coordinated a verification team that focused on several critical areas: monitoring the reintegration of former FARC-EP combatants, overseeing the implementation of security guarantees and protection measures, enforcing sanctions from the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), and addressing rural reform and ethnic issues. I established and maintained strong working relationships with UN counterparts, government officials, civil society, military and law enforcement personnel, and other partners. I also prepared summary and analytical documents, including sensitive communications for UNVMC HQ, and supervised, monitored, and supported my team to ensure effective performance.

As the Deputy Head of Office with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) in Villavicencio, I provided crucial information and analysis on the Colombia peace process and the Final Peace Agreement. I assessed implications and recommended policies and strategies to senior management to address issues and advance our objectives. I established and maintained strong relationships with UN colleagues, government officials, civil society actors, and other national and international partners to improve information-sharing and policy coordination. I prepared summary and analytical documents, including sensitive communications for UNVMC HQ, and supported management and supervisory functions for the office.

As the Officer in Charge of the Regional Office in San José de Guaviare and later in Florencia (Caquetá) with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, I was pivotal in implementing the mission's mandate. I provided crucial information and analysis on the Colombia peace process and the Final Peace Agreement. I prepared various summary and analytical documents and coordinated the field teams under my responsibility effectively.

In this role with the United Nations Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), I gathered, selected, and analyzed information from various sources to assess the perception of the Mission, the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM), and the overall peace process. I maintained current knowledge of local political events and their impact on the Mission and MVM's mandate. I provided updates and insights to senior officials and colleagues on emerging trends and developments. I engaged with municipal and departmental authorities, NGOs, civil society organizations, community groups, ethnic communities, and religious organizations. Additionally, I participated in fact-finding missions and supervised a four members team, ensuring they effectively carried out their responsibilities.

As part of the GIZ/GEOS Service Provider, within the framework of the EU Election Observation Mission to Kenya, I established and maintained an information network with relevant security professionals in the host country. Regular liaison with host country ministries, national police, civil protection, military services, and other civilian agencies was a crucial part of my role. I developed and implemented emergency and contingency response plans, ensuring MEDEVAC/CASEVAC capabilities were in place for observers and the Core Team. I conducted comprehensive briefings for EU EOM staff to prepare them for key safety, security, and health risks. Additionally, upon arrival in the host country, I conducted thorough security assessments of both headquarters and hazardous observer locations.

Participated as a Short Term Observer in the following OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission: • BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA, Zenica, general elections 2022 • GEORGIA, Tbilisi, municipal elections 2010 • FYROM, Struminiça, presidential and municipal elections 2009 • FYROM, Gostivar, Mavrovo Rustice, presidential and municipal elections run-off 2009 • GEORGIA, Gori, parliamentary elections 2008 In this role, I monitored the pre-electoral environment, election campaign, and administrative preparations in my areas of responsibility. On Election Day, I observed procedures, including counting and tabulation operations. I also monitored immediate post-electoral developments. The position required reporting to the Long Term Observers.

During the Parliamentary Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014, I established the presence of the OSCE/ODIHR EOM in the Sarajevo region and developed good working relationships with electoral and civil administrations, political parties, NGOs, international organizations, and other election stakeholders. I liaised with local and international observers, monitored the pre-electoral environment, election campaign, and administrative preparations. On Election Day, I observed procedures, including counting and tabulation operations, and monitored post-electoral developments. I followed electoral disputes, complaints, and appeals, monitored local media, and coordinated the deployment of Short Term Observers in the AoO. Additionally, I trained, briefed, and debriefed Short Term Observers and members of the European Parliament Delegation. I also submitted an End of Mission report.

In this role, I provided logistics and administrative support to the ODIHR Election Assessment Mission for the 2008 Italian Parliamentarian Elections. I managed and implemented administrative procedures to ensure services were delivered effectively and efficiently. I arranged appointments, maintained the supervisor’s calendar, received high-ranking visitors, and handled phone calls and queries with discretion. I organized meetings with senior officials, national election authorities, and political leaders. I translated sensitive documents between Italian and English, interpreted at meetings, and facilitated communication on electoral processes and legislation. Additionally, I created and developed a database on gender participation and decision-making in the electoral process.

• HUNGARY, Budapest, parliamentary elections 2022 In this role, I monitored the pre-electoral environment, election campaign, and administrative preparations in my areas of responsibility. On Election Day, I observed procedures, including counting and tabulation operations. I also monitored immediate post-electoral developments. The position required reporting to the Long Term Observers.

During the Parliamentary Elections in Georgia in 2016, I established the presence of the IRI EOM in my assigned Area of Observation (AoO), Kakheti region, and built strong working relationships with electoral and civil administrations, political parties, NGOs, international organizations, and other election stakeholders. I liaised with local and international observers, monitored the pre-electoral environment, election campaign, and administrative preparations. On Election Day, I observed procedures, including counting and tabulation operations, and monitored post-electoral developments. I followed up on electoral disputes, complaints, and appeals, monitored local media, and coordinated the deployment of Short Term Observers in the AoO. Additionally, I trained, briefed, and debriefed Short Term Observers and submitted an End of Mission report.