News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Despite recent reforms Uzbekistan’s presidential election lacked genuine competition, international observers say
Publishing date: 25 October 2021
TASHKENT, 25 October 2021 – Despite recent welcome reforms, the lack of genuine pluralism and meaningful engagement between candidates or with citizens meant that Uzbekistan’s presidential election was not truly competitive, while significant procedural irregularities were noted on election day, international observers said in a statement today.
ODIHR opens election observation mission in Kyrgyzstan
Publishing date: 19 October 2021
BISHKEK, 19 October 2021 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission (EOM) for the 28 November parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, following an invitation from the national authorities.
North Macedonia’s local elections were competitive with fundamental freedoms respected but legal shortcomings remain a concern, international observers say
Publishing date: 18 October 2021
SKOPJE, 18 October 2021 – Candidates could campaign freely and fundamental freedoms were widely respected in North Macedonia’s local elections, but numerous gaps in the law and legislative changes close to election day undermined legal stability and the largest parliamentary parties enjoy systemic advantages in the distribution of public resources for campaigning, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today...
Three decades and ready for the future: the OSCE’s human rights office marks its 30th anniversary
Publishing date: 14 October 2021
WARSAW/STOCKHOLM, 14 October 2021 – Thirty years ago, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was established. Its mandate is to assist the countries of the OSCE region in strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law, and in respecting human rights. Over the next two days, over 500 participants will gather in person and online to discuss the ODIHR’s achievements and its role in finding lasting solutions to the challenges faced across the OSCE region.
All OSCE countries urged to join abolitionist trend and create a death penalty-free region, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 8 October 2021
WARSAW, 8 October 2021 – Working towards an OSCE region free from capital punishment should be a priority for all OSCE countries, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today ahead of the World Day against the Death Penalty on 10 October.
ODIHR experts present final report on Albania’s 2021 parliamentary elections in Tirana
Publishing date: 4 October 2021
Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the ODIHR final report on Albania’s April 2021 parliamentary elections during a visit to Tirana from 29 September to 1 October 2021. The experts discussed the report’s findings and recommendations
Local elections in Georgia competitive and well run, but marred by allegations of pressure on voters, vote-buying and an unlevel playing field, international observers say
Publishing date: 3 October 2021
TBILISI, 3 October 2021 – Georgia’s local elections were competitive and technically well administered, but marred by widespread allegations of electoral violations, vote-buying, and an unlevel playing field, as well as intimidation and pressure, international observers said in a statement today.