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OSCE/ODIHR concerned about breaches of commitments for democratic elections
WARSAW 19 October 2000
WARSAW, 19 October 2000 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) expressed concern about breaches of OSCE commitments for democratic elections. The record of OSCE countries in implementing election-related commitments was reviewed on the first day of the annual OSCE human rights and democratization conference taking place in Warsaw from 17 to 27 October 2000.
"In the past 12 months, nine elections we observed did not meet OSCE standards", said Hrair Balian, the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR's Election Section. "Only seven of the elections we observed during this period were in line with OSCE commitments or at least marked progress towards meeting international standards." Among the elections that clearly fell short of OSCE commitments were the parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus.
Lack of transparency in the election process, particularly at the results aggregation level, is one of the key problems identified by OSCE/ODIHR observers. "Election after election, results are published without the possibility for anyone to trace and audit the announced figures", said Mr. Balian. "In most cases, this reflects attempts to defraud voters of their will." Another area of concern is the lack of accountability, in particular in the work of upper level election commissions. "Here, interference of the executive has become endemic in several countries", said Mr. Balian. He also highlighted a third problem area, restricted fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, association and assembly. "However, the picture is not so bleak. We have also observed cases where good faith effort has led to improved elections", concluded Mr. Balian.
The OSCE/ODIHR will continue to assist OSCE countries in improving electoral legislation and the overall human rights environment. It was however made clear during the review session that the ultimate responsibility for improving elections remains with the participating States.
For further information contact Jens-Hagen Eschenbächer, OSCE/ODIHR Public Affairs Officer at +48-22-5200600 or +48-603683122 (mobile).
"In the past 12 months, nine elections we observed did not meet OSCE standards", said Hrair Balian, the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR's Election Section. "Only seven of the elections we observed during this period were in line with OSCE commitments or at least marked progress towards meeting international standards." Among the elections that clearly fell short of OSCE commitments were the parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus.
Lack of transparency in the election process, particularly at the results aggregation level, is one of the key problems identified by OSCE/ODIHR observers. "Election after election, results are published without the possibility for anyone to trace and audit the announced figures", said Mr. Balian. "In most cases, this reflects attempts to defraud voters of their will." Another area of concern is the lack of accountability, in particular in the work of upper level election commissions. "Here, interference of the executive has become endemic in several countries", said Mr. Balian. He also highlighted a third problem area, restricted fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, association and assembly. "However, the picture is not so bleak. We have also observed cases where good faith effort has led to improved elections", concluded Mr. Balian.
The OSCE/ODIHR will continue to assist OSCE countries in improving electoral legislation and the overall human rights environment. It was however made clear during the review session that the ultimate responsibility for improving elections remains with the participating States.
For further information contact Jens-Hagen Eschenbächer, OSCE/ODIHR Public Affairs Officer at +48-22-5200600 or +48-603683122 (mobile).