Press release

WARSAW, 5 October 2006 - In response to an invitation from the Belgian Government to observe the local elections scheduled for 8 October, the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is undertaking an expert study visit from 4 to 9 October.

The purpose of the visit is to enhance the OSCE/ODIHR's comparative knowledge of electronic voting systems.

"The OSCE/ODIHR is taking a stronger interest in electronic voting systems in order to further enhance its capacity to observe the performance of such systems in accordance with OSCE commitments," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, ODIHR Director.

"The team members will familiarize themselves with the automated voting equipment and procedures in use in Belgium, paying particular attention to the level of transparency and accountability of the system, as well as confidence in automated voting among the electorate."

The team, comprising two international experts in electronic voting and an OSCE/ODIHR election adviser, will also hold meetings with the authorities responsible for the conduct of the elections, including administrators of the automated voting system currently in use in the Kingdom of Belgium, as well as other bodies involved with automated voting. In addition, the team will also meet with representatives of political parties and civil society.