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OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
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E-mail: osce@oscepa.dk

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Election Observation

Parliamentary leadership brings added credibility and visibility to observation missions

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has played a leading role in elections observation in the OSCE area since 1993. The presence of parliamentary observers at elections emphasizes the importance of legislatures as institutions to provide a balance to executive authority. Since parliamentarians are themselves directly elected public officials, local and international media often greatly value their observations.

OSCE parliamentary delegation observes 'vibrant' election in UK

The 6 May general elections in the United Kingdom demonstrated that democracy is a vibrant force in the world’s oldest parliamentary system, concluded the OSCE PA’s observer delegation in a statement issued on 7 May. In particular, direct debates between the leaders of the three major parties sparked interest in the democratic process and in public policy in the United Kingdom.

"This is one of the most exciting and competitive elections I have ever seen, although it shows that reform may be needed to the complex system," said OSCE PA President Joao Soares, leader of the OSCE delegation. "We welcome the recognition of need for reform of procedures expressed by the major political parties."

Legislation governing elections is clearly understood by practitioners and stakeholders, the observers noted, and is underpinned by widespread trust in the electoral system. The delegation, however, expressed concern about reports that voters who were lining up to vote at the time of closing were not allowed to vote. Some interlocutors expressed concern about the possible vulnerability to fraud of postal voting, despite safeguards introduced in 2006.

Despite certain positive steps, Tajikistan’s parliamentary elections failed to meet many key OSCE commitments

DUSHANBE, 1 March 2010 – Yesterday’s parliamentary elections took place peacefully, but despite certain small positive steps failed to meet many key OSCE commitments, the international election observation mission concluded in a preliminary statement issued today.

The observers noted that higher-level election commissions were more inclusive than in previous elections. But they also highlighted serious irregularities on election day, including a high prevalence of family and proxy voting and cases of ballot box stuffing.

The election law included significant shortcomings such as insufficient guarantees for an inclusive and pluralistic composition of election commissions and lack of safeguards relating to voter registration, campaigning and election day procedures.

Run-off confirms that Ukraine’s presidential election meets most international commitments

KYIV, 8 February 2010 – Ukraine’s run-off presidential election confirmed the international election observation mission’s assessment that the electoral process met most OSCE and Council of Europe commitments.

In a statement issued today, the observers noted that the election consolidated progress achieved since 2004. But they also concluded that the lack of mutual trust between the candidates and the deficient legal framework were at the root of the problems observed and constitute an immediate challenge for the new leadership. The professional, transparent and honest voting and counting should serve as a solid foundation for a peaceful transition of power.

“Yesterday’s vote was an impressive display of democratic elections. For everyone in Ukraine, this election was a victory. It is now time for the country’s political leaders to listen to the people’s verdict and make sure that the transition of power is peaceful and constructive,” said João Soares, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and Special Co-ordinator of the OSCE short-term observers.

Christmas-Moeller to lead Tajik election observation

OSCE PA President Joao Soares has appointed Danish parliamentarian and Assembly Vice-President Pia Christmas-Moeller to lead the PA’s election observation mission to the parliamentary elections in Tajikistan on 28 February 2010.

Ms. Christmas-Moeller has headed several election observation missions in the past, including the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s parliamentary and presidential elections in June 2008 and March 2009, respectively. For the U.S. election in 2008, she served as deputy head of mission.

Wolfgang Grossruck (Austria) and Walburga Habsburg Douglas (Sweden) will serve as deputy heads of the mission. The OSCE PA observed the presidential election in Tajikistan in November 2006. Members of Parliament interested in participating in the observation mission to Tajikistan need to register by 8 February.

Ukraine's presidential election meets most international commitments

KYIV, 18 January 2010 – The first round of Ukraine’s presidential election was of high quality and showed significant progress over previous elections, meeting most OSCE and Council of Europe commitments, concluded the international election observation mission in a statement published today.

The observers noted that the election demonstrated respect for civil and political rights, and offered voters a genuine choice between candidates representing diverse politicalviews. Candidates were able to campaign freely, and the campaign period was generally calm and orderly.

The legal framework remained unclear and incomplete, and was subject of permanent discussion. Nevertheless, the election was generally administered efficiently, and commissions mostly worked in a collegial and non-partisan manner. A pluralistic media offered voters a variety of information about candidates, although electronic media reporting was often influenced by candidates paying for news coverage.