OSCE/ODIHR final report on Malta’s early parliamentary elections recommends measures to improve electoral legal framework

Malta’s early parliamentary elections on 3 June 2017 were held in a professional and efficient manner, with electoral stakeholders expressing confidence in most stages of the process, but aspects of the legal framework could benefit from further review, concludes the final report issued by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 9 October 2017.

While the legal framework was assessed as providing a sound basis for holding democratic elections, the report recommends addressing past and present ODIHR recommendations, with a particular focus on clarifying existing ambiguities.

The report also recommends a review of the limitations on suffrage rights and the introduction of explicit provisions allowing for citizen and international election observation.

Noting that the elections were well administered, the report encourages reforming provisions for assisted voting, to ensure ballot secrecy. The report also recommends adapting legislation to allow prisoners to vote, in line with international commitments.

While welcoming Malta’s recent reforms on the frameworks for political and campaign finance, the report underscores that some provisions for the reporting of donations and expenditures could be further strengthened to foster greater transparency, allay public concerns about possible corruption and make the reporting system more effective.

Other recommendations include the introduction of specific measures to promote women’s participation in politics and the decriminalization of defamation and insult, in line with international good practice on the freedom of expression.