OSCE/ODIHR regional roundtable discusses electoral dispute resolution
Existing practices on electoral dispute resolution were the focus of a roundtable meeting organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 9 and 10 March 2015, in Warsaw.
Bringing together more than 35 representatives of state authorities and civil society from Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, the regional roundtable provided a platform for discussion on challenges for electoral dispute resolution systems in the OSCE region. The discussion highlighted three overarching principles in the resolution of electoral disputes: the availability of legal redress, respect for due process and the effectiveness of remedies.
"Electoral rights are fundamental human rights, so it is critical that states provide effective mechanisms and remedies for the enforcement of these rights,” said Beata Martin-Rozumilowicz, Head of ODIHR's Elections Department. “This roundtable provides a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and elaborate good practices in the field of electoral dispute resolution.”
Nathalie Tagwerker, Deputy Head of ODIHR’s Democratization Department, said: “OSCE commitments on fair trial standards and the rule of law, including the right to a judicial review of administrative decisions, also apply to the protection of electoral rights, and need to be respected by OSCE participating States in both law and practice.”
Expert contributions at the roundtable focused on OSCE Commitments and other international obligations and standards for the effective resolution of electoral disputes, followed by a discussion of concrete examples and common challenges in their implementation. Representatives of election bodies and courts from Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus provided information on how they dealt with complaints filed in their jurisdictions in the context of elections.
The main conclusions and suggestions emerging from the roundtable will be used to strengthen ODIHR’s continued assistance to participating States in improving electoral practices and respect for the rule of law.