OSCE/ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations in Iceland

Experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with Icelandic Members of the Althingi, Iceland’s parliament, and representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, government ministries, and all levels of the election administration, in Reykjavik on 19-20 February to discuss the follow-up on the recommendations from ODIHR’s final reports on the 2009 and 2013 parliamentary elections.

Roundtable discussions focused on the findings and recommendations from the ODIHR Election Assessment Missions’ reports, including those related to the work of the election administration and deadlines in the electoral calendar, discrepancies in the size of electoral districts, the resolution of electoral disputes, and access for election observers. Representatives from the task force, established by the Ministry of Interior to review the election law, highlighted the steps already taken to address recommendations, including possible amendments to the legal framework.

“The establishment of a task force to review electoral legislation is a positive step that demonstrates good practice in the follow-up of ODIHR’s electoral recommendations,” said Richard Lappin, ODIHR Senior Election Adviser. “These roundtable discussions provide an inclusive and consultative platform to develop possible amendments to the electoral law.”

The experts also met with the Speaker of the Althingi and discussed the scope and timeframe of the electoral reform process as well as recommendations related to campaign finance.

This visit followed a 2014 meeting at ODIHR headquarters, where the final report on the 27 April 2013 parliamentary elections was presented to Icelandic officials.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to follow up on ODIHR's election assessments and recommendations.