News and press releases

Romania’s May repeat presidential election was efficiently managed, and recent efforts by the authorities to improve electoral integrity were notable. However, the repeat presidential election was marked by insufficient oversight of key aspects of the campaign and concerns over the widespread use of inauthentic behaviour by candidates online. The fundamental freedoms of association and assembly were respected, and voters had a genuine choice of political alternatives. At the same time, the use of eligibility requirements based on court rulings rather than clear legal provisions undermined the inclusivity of candidate registration. Oversight of the online space remained fragmented, and the lack of transparency in the handling of reported violations discouraged public engagement and resulted in self-censorship.

BANJA LUKA, 28 October 2025 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an observation mission for the 23 November early election of the president of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, following an invitation from the national authorities.

Albania’s parliamentary elections on 11 May were competitive and professionally managed, but they took place in a highly polarized environment and contestants did not enjoy a level playing field. While candidates were generally able to campaign freely, there were reports of intimidation, misuse of public resources and pressure on public employees, which undermined equal opportunities. Election day was calm overall, but procedural shortcomings, instances of intimidation and vote buying, and problems with ensuring ballot secrecy were noted.

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), in collaboration with the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), convened a two-day workshop in Tashkent on 20 and 21 October for members of territorial

BISHKEK, 23 October 2025 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission (EOM) for the 30 November early parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, following an invitation from the national authorities and in accordance with its mandate.

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented their final report on Germany’s 2025 early parliamentary elections in Berlin and discussed its key findings and recommendations.

Poland’s presidential election in May was competitive and efficiently managed but it took place in a highly polarized political environment, which deepened existing divides and impacted the functioning of some key electoral oversight institutions. Fundamental freedoms were respected throughout the vibrant campaign, although the authorities needed to deploy various countermeasures due to challenges from disinformation and foreign interference.