News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
No election observation mission in Belarus due to lack of invitation, in breach of OSCE commitments
Publishing date: 9 January 2025
WARSAW/COPENHAGEN, 9 January 2025 – The decision of the Belarusian authorities not to invite OSCE participating States to observe the country’s presidential election on 26 January is deeply regrettable and prevents an impartial and independent assessment of the election process, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) said in a statement today.
Voters had political alternatives in Serbia’s elections but they were marred by overwhelming ruling party advantage, international observers say
Publishing date: 18 December 2023
BELGRADE, 18 December 2023 – Although Serbia’s early parliamentary elections offered voters a choice between political alternatives and freedoms of expression and assembly were generally respected, pressure on voters as well as the decisive involvement of the President and the ruling party’s systemic advantages undermined the election process overall, international observers said in a statement today.
OSCE parliamentarians to observe elections in Serbia
Publishing date: 24 March 2022
COPENHAGEN, 24 March 2022 – Some 80 observers from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will deploy next week to Serbia to observe the 3 April Presidential and early Parliamentary Elections.
OSCE parliamentarians to observe presidential election in Uzbekistan
Publishing date: 18 October 2021
COPENHAGEN, 18 October 2021 – More than 70 OSCE parliamentarians from 24 countries will deploy this week to Uzbekistan for the 24 October presidential election. The OSCE PA observers will work closely with colleagues from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, as well as the European Parliament.
No OSCE observers for Russian parliamentary elections following major limitations
Publishing date: 4 August 2021
WARSAW/COPENHAGEN, 4 August 2021 — The OSCE will not be able to send observers for the upcoming elections to the Duma due to limitations imposed by Russian Federation authorities on the election observation, leaders of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and its Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) announced today.
Albania’s elections saw inclusive campaigning and improved administration, but misuse of state resources was of concern, international observers say
Publishing date: 26 April 2021
TIRANA, 26 April 2021 – The Albanian parliamentary elections were characterized by a lively and inclusive campaign, thanks to a legal framework that helped ensure respect of fundamental freedoms. At the same time the campaign saw authorities taking advantage of public office and allegations of pervasive vote buying, international observers said in a statement today...
OSCE parliamentarians to observe 4 April elections in Bulgaria
Publishing date: 30 March 2021
COPENHAGEN, 30 March 2021 – Some 45 parliamentarians and staff from 12 OSCE countries will observe the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria on 4 April. Deploying in the capital, Sofia, and other regions, the OSCE PA observers will work closely with colleagues from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe...