OSCE/ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations in Poland
Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with electoral stakeholders in Warsaw on 28 March to present the final report of ODIHR’s election assessment mission for the 25 October 2015 parliamentary elections in Poland.
The report’s findings and recommendations were presented to officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Election Commission, and the Senate’s Human Rights and Legislative Committees.
ODIHR representatives noted that the elections were administered in an impartial, professional and transparent manner, were competitive and pluralistic, and were conducted with respect for fundamental principles of democratic elections. The experts drew attention to recommendations on enforcing the provisions on secrecy of the vote, as well as on ensuring full access of citizen non-partisan observers to all stages of the electoral process and including provisions for judicial review of election commission decisions.
"We are encouraged by the consideration of ODIHR's recommendations thus far, and look forward to formal and inclusive steps to further refine and enhance the electoral process," said Tatyana Bogussevich, Deputy Head of the ODIHR mission.
The report’s recommendations focusing on the legal framework, candidate registration, the role of the media and party and campaign finance were discussed during a separate roundtable discussion organized by the Office of the Polish Commissioner for Human Rights, with civil society participation.
"Today's discussions with various stakeholders demonstrate that a range of electoral issues can be included in the reform agenda and, to that end, ODIHR remains committed to actively supporting such efforts,” said ODIHR senior adviser Steven Martin.
All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to following up on ODIHR's election assessments and recommendations.