Elections
Recognizing that democratic elections form the basis for legitimate government, the OSCE observes elections in its participating States. It also provides technical assistance to improve the legislative and administrative framework for elections, upon a State’s request.
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Our challenge
Many factors can affect security and stability, often across borders, population segments or the OSCE’s three dimensions.
Free and fair elections are considered the backbone of functioning democratic societies. When the option of choosing a new leadership is curtailed, impeded or unduly influenced, democracy itself begins to erode. The OSCE considers that electoral processes need to respect fundamental freedoms and be characterized by equality, universality, political pluralism, confidence, transparency and accountability.
[…] among those elements of justice which are essential to the full expression of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all human beings are the following: […] free elections that will be held at reasonable intervals by secret ballot or by equivalent free voting procedure, under conditions which ensure in practice the free expression of the opinion of the electors in the choice of their representatives.
Our action
Building on our comprehensive and co-operative approach to security, we work on strategies to tackle the issue head-on.
Observing elections is only one way how we help the participating States implement their commitments to uphold and strengthen democratic principles, but it is by far the OSCE’s most well-known activity. It is our main tool to assess the extent to which electoral processes respect fundamental freedoms and are characterized by equality, universality, political pluralism, confidence, transparency and accountability. Our institutions also review electoral legislation, identify potential shortcomings and provide advice on how to improve laws or fill gaps in the States' election-related legislation.
Our teams
Our institutions, field operations and offices bring to the task expert skills and knowledge to develop tailor-made solutions for each challenge.
Our institutions and offices
Our flagship institution in the area of elections is the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which runs dozens of election observation missions throughout the OSCE region every year, and also supports the participating States' efforts to improve their electoral processes and legislation. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly regularly sends parliamentarians on short-term election observation missions.
Our operations on the ground
Several field operations carry out elections-related activities, including training for election commission members, media and police, as well as voter education initiatives. Other activities include advising election commissions, assisting with the reform of electoral codes, and strengthening the participation of women in elections.
The field operations do not, however, take part in election observation missions in their countries of operation.
Presence in Albania
Presence in Albania
Established on 27 March 1997 with the mandate to promote democratization, the rule of law and human rights, and to consolidate democratic institutions.
Centre in Ashgabat
Centre in Ashgabat
Set up on 23 July 1998, the Centre works on a broad array of security issues, from arms control to economic-environmental topics and human rights.
Programme Office in Bishkek
Programme Office in Bishkek
Established on 23 July 1998, the Office works in all OSCE dimensions, including the economic-environmental, human and political aspects of security.
Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Established on 8 December 1995, the Mission works on human rights, education, the rule of law, gender equality, governance and security co-operation.
Mission in Kosovo
Mission in Kosovo
Set up on 1 July 1999, the Mission has its headquarters in Prishtinë/Priština and maintains five regional offices. It runs a wide array of activities.
Mission to Montenegro
Mission to Montenegro
Established on 29 June 2006, the Mission assists Montenegro with its reform agenda and helps it further strengthen its democratic development.
Mission to Skopje
Mission to Skopje
Established on 18 September 1992, the Mission’s key priorities are constructive inter-ethnic relations and the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement.
Projects
Initiatives funded by individual states and organizations
Studies and reports
Reports, studies and analyses for policymakers, researchers and all those interested in this field of our work
Manuals and guides
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