Romania’s parliamentary elections well managed, but weakened by over-hasty legal changes, international observers say

BUCHAREST, 7 December 2020 – Romania’s parliamentary elections were well run in adverse circumstances amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, but the late adoption of legislative amendments and some important regulations created uncertainty, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.

“I have deep respect for the staff at polling stations, the voters and the candidates themselves who took part in the democratic process on election day despite the increased risks,” said Marianne Mikko, head of the ODIHR special election assessment mission. “The campaign remained anaemic, not only because of the pandemic but also due to political fatigue, as this was the fourth election in 18 months.”

While the campaign initially focused on issues such as economic recovery and anti-corruption, the worsening public health situation soon dominated the political debate. The president repeatedly made his party preferences clear in public statements during the run-up to the elections. This blurred the line between his official duties and the election campaign, at odds with international standards and the commitment made by all OSCE countries to keep a clear separation between the state and political parties.

A number of election-related amendments were recently adopted by parliament following a rushed procedure and without public debate, at odds with international commitments and good practice.

“A complex and inconsistent legal framework covering different elections has created uncertainty about procedures and requirements,” added Mikko. “Adopting a unified election code would be a big step forward for Romania in improving its election process.”

The election administration managed the process efficiently, and generally enjoyed confidence. Nonetheless, important decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic were made later than they should have been.

In the limited number of polling stations visited by the mission, the voting process was smooth, and procedures were followed. Voters living abroad could cast their ballots by post or in person over the course of two days at polling stations across more than 90 countries. However, health-related restrictions resulted in a reduction of polling stations abroad from last year’s presidential election.

ODIHR’s Special Election Assessment Mission (SEAM) to Romania took up its work on 12 November. The mission focused on key issues identified by ODIHR ahead of the election in order to assess the extent to which the parliamentary elections were held in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.

For further information, please contact:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or [email protected]