Lithuania presidential election 2019: ODIHR observation mission final report

Following the presidential election in Lithuania on 12 and 26 May 2019, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published its final report. The report notes that the election was competitive and offered clear political alternatives, with fundamental freedoms largely respected in the campaign. The media provided extensive coverage, which enabled citizens to make an informed choice. Although some areas of election-related legislation could be improved, the election was effectively administered and enjoyed public confidence.

Key recommendations include:

• Reviewing rules governing media conduct during campaigns to clearly distinguish paid political advertising from other forms of campaign coverage.

• Amending electoral legislation to provide clear criteria for the dismissal of the chairperson and members of the CEC, if necessary.

• Revising the legal framework to remove restrictions on voting rights and candidacy on the basis of mental disability.

• Reviewing restrictions on candidacy based on prior removal from office, residency, and dual and naturalized citizenship.

• Allowing all voters to file complaints and appeals on the electoral process.

• Introducing interim reporting requirements, prior to elections, to enhance transparency.

ODIHR deployed an election observation mission on 30 April 2019 to observe the election. All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.