Activities
Elections
As part of its democratization activities, the OSCE carries out election assistance projects in the lead-up to or following elections.
In recognition of the fact that democratic elections form the basis for the legitimacy of government, the OSCE observes elections throughout the 56 participating States. It also conducts technical-assistance projects to improve the legislative and administrative framework for elections in specific countries.
Over the past 15 years, the organization has developed an observation methodology that is at the forefront of international efforts in this field. In recent years, the OSCE has also published a number of handbooks on election-related topics, including domestic observer groups and the participation of women in the electoral process.
OSCE Institutions monitoring elections:
Features
Assessment of European Parliament election: Q&A with ODIHR election head Nicolas Kaczorowski
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights is adopting an innovative approach to the 4-7 June elections to the European Parliament. The new Head of ODIHR's Election Department, Nicolas Kaczorowski, explains the details.
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Skopje Mission assists in best possible presidential and municipal elections
With the first round of the presidential and municipal elections on 22 March successfully concluded, the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje aims to ensure that the second round of voting on 5 April is equally as smooth.
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Kosovo's elections judged a success
The first elections to be held in Kosovo since its local institutions took over the main responsibility for organizing them from the OSCE Mission have been rated a success by observers.
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A women signs the voter list to confirm that she has received her ballots at "Motrat Qiriazi" primary school polling station in Prizren, during Kosovo's elections on 17 November 2007. (OSCE/Hasan Sopa)