News and press releases

Between 16 and 28 September 2024, the OSCE Mission to BiH (Mission) has successfully concluded a series of pre-election debates, an essential component of the democratic process, aimed at ensuring citizens are well-informed about the candidates and their platforms. These debates took place in the

TASHKENT, 25 September 2024- The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 27 October parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan, following an official invitation from the national authorities.

North Macedonia’s 2024 presidential and early parliamentary elections were competitive, and voters had the opportunity to make informed choices. However, while the legal framework provides the basis for democratic elections, it lacks sufficient regulation for a presidential contest, and recent changes introduced without sufficient transparency and public consultation. Election day was assessed positively overall, with voting procedures largely respected, although some election boards did not fully follow procedures during the count. Rules creating a direct link between public financing of campaigns and media opportunities for candidates disproportionately favoured the major political parties.

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the findings and recommendations of Poland’s 2023 parliamentary elections final report in Warsaw this week to Polish government officials, representatives of the election administration, both houses of the Polish Parliament and the Ombudsperson’s office. A roundtable discussion was also held with civil society organizations and media representatives.

WARSAW, 13 September 2024 – The principles of inclusivity and respect for human rights and the rule of law on which our democracies are based can help us find a way forward in times of polarisation and conflict to strengthen our freedom and our security, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said ahead of the International Day of Democracy on 15 September.

CHIŞINĂU, 13 September 2024- The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened today an observation mission for the 20 October presidential election and constitutional referendum in Moldova, following an invitation from the national authorities.

The factors that make people belonging to minorities more vulnerable to human trafficking and ensuring respect for the rights of victims were discussed at the launch of a new joint publication by the OSCE’s Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (CTHB) and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 11 September 2024.