News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE/ODIHR opens observation mission for early parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Publishing date: 31 March 2016
SKOPJE, 31 March 2016 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened an election observation mission (EOM) for the early parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, scheduled for 5 June. The mission’s deployment follows an invitation from the authorities...
Kazakhstan elections efficiently organized, some progress, still considerable way to go to meet OSCE election commitments, international observers say
Publishing date: 21 March 2016
ASTANA, 21 March 2016 – The 20 March early parliamentary elections were efficiently organized, with some progress noted, but they indicated that Kazakhstan still has a considerable way to go in meeting its OSCE commitments for democratic elections, international observers concluded in a preliminary statement released today. The legal framework restricts fundamental civil and political rights, and comprehensive reform is required. In a positive development, candidate registration was inclusive, and six parties contested the elections.
OSCE/ODIHR opens observation mission for early parliamentary elections in Serbia
Publishing date: 18 March 2016
BELGRADE, 18 March 2016 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened a limited election observation mission for the 24 April early parliamentary elections in Serbia. The mission's deployment follows an invitation from the Serbian authorities...
OSCE Office in Yerevan supports public discussion on draft Electoral Code
Publishing date: 17 March 2016
The first public hearing of the new draft Electoral Code, organized by the Armenian Justice Ministry with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, took place on 11 March 2016 in Yerevan...
OSCE parliamentarians to observe early parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan
Publishing date: 9 March 2016
COPENHAGEN, 9 March 2016 – OSCE parliamentarians will observe the upcoming early parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan and provide leadership for the OSCE’s short-term observer mission...
OSCE/ODIHR final report on Spain’s parliamentary elections recommends ensuring equality of the vote and addressing shortcomings of postal voting system
Publishing date: 25 February 2016
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.
OSCE/ODIHR final report on Ukraine local elections recommends inclusive, comprehensive reform to harmonize legislation regulating all types of elections
Publishing date: 19 February 2016
The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 25 October and 15 November 2015 local elections in Ukraine recommends a comprehensive review of legislation, including to ensure equality of the vote and to bring laws in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations for democratic elections.