OSCE/ODIHR opens mission to observe parliamentary elections in Hungary

BUDAPEST, 5 March 2014 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today held the opening press conference of its limited election observation mission for the 6 April parliamentary elections in Hungary.

The mission's deployment follows an invitation from the Hungarian authorities.

The mission is led by Ambassador Audrey Glover, and consists of 13 international experts based in Budapest and 10 long-term observers to be deployed throughout the country.

Observers will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. The mission will assess the legislative framework and its implementation, and will follow campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, participation of national minorities and women, and the resolution of election disputes. The mission will conduct comprehensive monitoring of the media.

As part of the observation process, the mission will meet with candidates and representatives from relevant authorities and political parties, as well as with representatives from the judiciary, civil society and the media.

In line with ODIHR’s methodology for limited election observation missions, the mission will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting and tabulation on election day. Mission members will, however, visit a number of polling stations across the country to follow election day procedures.

A statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be issued on the day after the election. A final report on the observation will be published approximately two months after the completion of the electoral process.

For further information contact:

Elma Sehalic, Media Analyst of the Limited Election Observation Mission, at +36 30 756 2147 (phone) or elma.sehalic@odihr.hu (email)