OSCE/ODIHR final report on Spain’s parliamentary elections recommends ensuring equality of the vote and addressing shortcomings of postal voting system

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 20 December 2015 parliamentary elections in Spain notes that the legal framework provides a basis for the conduct of genuinely democratic elections. It recommends, however, that the legal framework be amended to ensure the full enjoyment of the rights of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and to uphold the principle of equality of the vote.

The report, published on 25 February 2016, notes that the elections were held in a professional, efficient and generally transparent manner, but recommends that the authorities address shortcomings in the postal voting system and take steps to ensure that all voters benefit to the greatest extent possible from equal voting opportunities.

According to the report, the legislation provides for a comprehensive system to regulate political and campaign finance and that recent amendments banned corporate donations, introduced gradual sanctions in cases of excessive spending, and criminalized illegal donations. The report recommends that the donation limit and the prohibition provisions be made to apply to all foundations and associations affiliated with political parties, and to oblige these to report their expenditures with the aim of increasing transparency and public confidence in campaign finance. The timely publication of financial reports by electoral contestants with all supporting materials would also allow for public scrutiny.

Noting that significant concerns were raised that growing commercial and political pressures have diminished the general independence and credibility of the media, the report recommends a review of how members of the public broadcaster’s executive board are selected. It also suggests the establishment of an independent broadcasting authority, in order to ensure transparency and pluralism in the broadcast sector.

Additional recommendations in the report include increasing the transparency of the work of election administration, extending the right to vote to all persons with disabilities, and to allowing individual citizens to run as independent candidates.