Parliamentary election observation in the OSCE

Riksdagen, 9 February 2011Tina Schøn, OSCE PA Deputy Secretary General

Andreas Baker, OSCE PA Presidential Advisor

Parliamentary election observation in the OSCE

Why parliamentary observation?

• Transparency

• Confidence

• Improving the process

• Attention to ‘democracy’

• Visibility and credibility

Why parliamentary observation?

• Exchanges of ‘best practice’• … or worst:

(The poster in background is by opponent party)

Co-operation

OSCE: ODIHR – PA• Long-term observation plus political input• Parliamentary expertise and visibility

Co-operation

OSCE: ODIHR – PA• 1997 Co-operation Agreement– Exchange of information– Logistical support– OSCE Special Co-ordinator– Preliminary post-election statement

Co-operation

Parliamentary partners– CoE– NATO PA– EP– … and CIS IPA

Origins of OSCE election observation

• OSCE election observation was ‘born’ in Sweden

• 1993 Chairmanship of Foreign Minister Margaretha af Ugglas– December 1993: first major OSCE observation

mission, Russian Duma elections

Origins of OSCE election observation

Since 1993, the OSCE PA has deployed• 3,429 parliamentarians• 111 elections

Basis for OSCE observation – The Copenhagen Commitments

• The 1990 Document of the Copenhagen Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE

Basis for OSCE observation – The Copenhagen CommitmentsCountries pledged to (inter alia):• “clear separation between the State and political parties”

(5.4)• “hold free elections at reasonable intervals” (7.1)• “guarantee universal and equal suffrage to adult citizens”

(7.3)• “ensure that votes are cast

by secret ballot … and are counted and reported honestly” (7.4)

Basis for OSCE observation – The Copenhagen Commitments• “respect the right of citizens to seek political or public office”

(7.5)• “respect the right of individuals and groups to establish …

their own political parties” (7.6)• “permit political campaigning be conducted in a fair and free

atmosphere (7.7)• Ensure that there is no hindrance that “bars the parties and

candidates from freely presenting their views and qualifications, or prevents voters from learning and discussing them” (7.7)

• Ensure “unimpeded access to the media on a non-discriminatory basis” (7.8)

Basis for OSCE observation – The Copenhagen Commitmentsand countries agree that …

• “the presence of observers, both foreign and domestic, can enhance the electoral process … They therefore invite observers from any other CSCE participating States to observe the course of their national election proceedings”

• These pledges remain the basis for OSCE observation today

A ‘TYPICAL’ OSCE PA OBSERVATION MISSION

A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission

Delegation formation• Appointment of Head of Mission– Chairmanship appointment

• Work with other Assemblies• Nominations by parliaments– 10% rule


Prior to arrival:• Briefing material distributed• Media coverage• Foreign Ministries


Parliamentary briefings


Election day• Polling stations– Take time to observe

• Regular reporting• Long hours


Debriefing• Input from all observers to HoM– In time for contribution to mission statement


Statement / press conference• Head(s) of Delegations


• 2008 OSCE PA Declaration:– Participation is only allowed if: “the observers

commit themselves to attend the full briefing programme as well as the debriefing preceding and following the mission”.

STATEMENTS … AND IMPACT

Statements … and impact

Ukraine, February 2010 (2nd round)• “This election consolidated progress achieved since 2004.”• “The lack of confidence and the deficient legal framework …

constitute an immediate challenge for the new leadership.”• “The professional, transparent and honest voting and

counting should serve as a solid foundation for a peaceful transition of power.”


United Kingdom, May 2010• “demonstrated that democracy is a vibrant force in the

world’s oldest parliamentary system.” • “direct debates between the leaders of the three major

parties sparked interest in the democratic process”• “hope and expect that the authorities will reconsider

guidelines instructing polling station officials not to issue ballots to citizens waiting to vote at 10:00 pm.”


United States, November 2010• “demonstrated again the country’s commitment to

democracy”• “at times intense and dirty campaign … with money playing a

significant role in creating an uneven playing field between candidates.”

• “Upwards of four billion dollars were spent on the campaigns … The adds … also turned off many voters.”


Moldova, November 2010• “met most OSCE and Council of Europe commitments”• “diverse field of candidates provided voters with a genuine

choice”• “Since the last elections, legal reforms and practical measures

have improved the electoral framework”


Belarus, December 2010• “still has a considerable way to go in meeting its OSCE

commitments”• “Election night was marred by detentions of most presidential

candidates, and hundreds of activists”• “the process deteriorated significantly during the vote count

undermining the steps taken to improve the election”• “In some cases the figures recorded in the results of polling

station protocols were different upon arrival at the Territorial Election Commissions.”

Final thoughts

OSCE observation today and in the future• Political implications for the OSCE• Follow-up

Parliamentary election observation in the OSCE

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