ODIHR experts present the final report on Slovenia’s 2022 parliamentary elections in Ljubljana

Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report of ODIHR’s Election Assessment Mission to the 2022 parliamentary elections in Slovenia during a visit to Ljubliana on 18 and 19 April 2023.

The experts discussed the report’s findings and recommendations with government officials, members of parliamentary committees and representatives of the media and civil society. Discussions focused on the introduction of safeguards to protect public media from political pressure, measures to prevent intolerant and derogatory language against women politicians and journalists, revision of criminal provisions for defamation and the need to enhance transparency and integrity of campaign finance, including for third parties.

“We are encouraged by the consideration of ODIHR's recommendations thus far, and look forward to inclusive discussions on further refining and enhancing Slovenia’s electoral process. ODIHR remains committed to actively supporting such efforts,” said Ambassador Eberhard Pohl, Head of the ODIHR Election Assessment Mission (EAM) for the 24 April parliamentary elections.

ODIHR discussed with authorities potential assistance in bringing Slovenia’s elections closer in line with international standards and commitments by implementing these recommendations.

The ODIHR EAM has assessed the follow-up to prior recommendations as follows:

• Fully implemented: recommendations 1 and 4 from the ODIHR final report on the 2017 presidential election and recommendation 11 from the ODIHR final report on the 2018 parliamentary elections;
• Mostly implemented: recommendation 5 from the 2017 Final Report and recommendation 4 from the 2018 Final Report;
• Partially implemented: recommendation 3 from the 2017 Final Report and recommendations 2, 5, 8 and 14 from the 2018 Final Report.

Other recommendations are yet to be implemented.

The ODIHR assistance offered includes expert discussions, thematic workshops and legal reviews related to potential changes to the electoral legislation.

In the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Document, all OSCE participating States committed themselves to “follow up promptly the ODIHR’s election assessment and recommendations”.