kernow,
I'm surprised that you didn't do me the courtesy of reading my post. I am considered, not just in this country, to be an expert on the subject having undertaken 14 OSCE missions in total, (8 STO, 6 LTO) and having a knowledge of our own system borne out of participating in 20-30 elections and by-elections, 8 as candidate . I usually like your postings, but on this occasion you lower yourself. Thousands of people from all over the world have acted as election observers. I am privileged to have met and or worked with hundreds of them. Your post demonstrates an ignorance of massive proportions and is an insult to the citizens and subjects of every country in the world (even San Marino sent 3 observers to an OSCE election).
Mr Gray junior is an exception in being accepted at such a young age, but the embassy in Katmandu would not have accredited him if he brought nothing to the table and didn't present well. I, personally, think he lacks experience, but he would not have observed alone and would have had the basic training required to observe. I am often surprised at the people who observe on missions, but each of them has particular qualities and skills. Mr Gray's parentage would not have been the only consideration and might not even have been critical. For all we know he was on one of these projects building schools, teaching English to junior school kids or participating in an expedition of some sort. He might have already had knowledge of the country or language - the article is not forthcoming.
I never cease to be amazed by the knowledge I pick up from other observers and the surprising political stances they adopt - drinking at 3 in the morning with a former Serb communist turned constitutional monarchist was a treat.
Personally I think Mr Gray is too young, as some of the hostile situations I have found myself in have required a lot of knowledge and experience of the world. I've interviewed, albeit as LTO, a candidate who had just had an opponent's supporter murdered - it was not something for the feint hearted or inexperienced. Thugs with guns can appear from nowhere and facing them down with a laminated accreditation would not be easy for a 17-year old.
Mr Gray Jnr is atypical of observers; most are highly qualified, highly skilled individuals. I have yet to meet, AFAIK, anyone whose position was dependent on their family connections. Most, if not all, countries take selection of observers very seriously, but some favour foreign ministry appointees over politicos or election administrators.
I was very fortunate to be recruited into the pool of UK observers. I am proud of the fact that I give UKIP a good name when I am overseas. It is a surprise to many activists from the big 3 parties that I am there and am able to present my arguments cogently and in the spirit of a tolerant exchange of views. The people who act as election observers, especially the Parliamentarians, are frequently destined to run their countries. I favour greater experience and qualifications, but if our embassy in Katmandu supports Mr Gray Jnr's accreditation as part of a team then I would be inclined to go with it.
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When in Woking do as the Wokes do.
"I do not wish to form my opinions by thoughtlessly quoting others; I wish others to support their opinions by sensibly quoting me." Paul Wesson (Aardvark) 13th April 2008
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