Chairman expresses disappointment over non-observation of Russian presidential election by OSCE

HELSINKI, 7 February 2008 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, expressed his disappointment today that discussions concerning the deployment of an ODIHR election observation mission between the ODIHR and the Russian Federation did not lead to a positive result. 

"I cannot be satisfied that despite constructive efforts on both sides the ODIHR and the Russian Central Election Commission did not reach an understanding on the terms of credible OSCE election observation in the Russian Presidential Election on 2 March," Minister Kanerva said.

At the same time the Chairman-in-Office noted that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has decided not to deploy a mission to the Russian Presidential election.

The Chairman-in-Office encouraged all participating States to invite OSCE to observe their elections in accordance with agreed OSCE commitments and established practice.

" I see election monitoring as a practical tool for all OSCE participating States to develop their democratic institutions and practices, not as means for labelling states," he said.

In spite of the recent disagreements Minister Kanerva highlighted the importance of continuing discussions on election-related issues under the auspices of the OSCE: "A constructive dialogue on election related activities is needed in the OSCE."