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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Lack of genuine political alternatives in a restricted environment characterized Azerbaijan’s presidential election, international observers say
Publishing date: 8 February 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
BAKU, 8 February 2024 – This was the first election to be held throughout the internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, an issue that dominated the campaign and was echoed in public sentiment. While preparations for the election were efficient and professional, it lacked genuine pluralism and critical voices were continuously stifled. Longstanding restrictions on freedoms of association and expression were reinforced by recent legal amendments and resulted in legislation not in line with international democratic standards, international observers said in a statement today.
Russian Federation flouts international commitments once again with decision not to invite OSCE observers to presidential election
Publishing date: 29 January 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
WARSAW/COPENHAGEN, 29 January 2024 – The decision of the Russian Federation not to invite OSCE observers to the upcoming presidential election is deeply regrettable, leaders of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) said today.
ODIHR commends renewed commitment to electoral reform in Albania
Publishing date: 23 January 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
WARSAW, 23 January 2024 – The initiative of the Albanian authorities to resume the country’s electoral reform ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections is an important and positive development in a process that has already served as an example of good practice for the region and beyond, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today.
Uzbekistan 2023 constitutional referendum and early presidential election: ODIHR observation missions final reports
Publishing date: 11 January 2024
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
Following the 2023 constitutional referendum and early presidential election in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published final reports with recommendations to assist the country in bringing its electoral process closer in line with international
Decision not to invite OSCE observers to parliamentary elections contrary to Belarus' international commitments
Publishing date: 8 January 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
WARSAW/COPENHAGEN, 8 January 2024 – It is deeply regrettable that the Belarusian authorities have decided not to invite observers for the country’s forthcoming parliamentary elections from OSCE states through the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), leaders of both institutions said today, adding that the decision contradicts the principle of transparency, which is essential for holding genuinely democratic elections.
ODIHR opens election observation mission in Azerbaijan
Publishing date: 29 December 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
BAKU, 29 December 2023 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 7 February early presidential election in Azerbaijan, following an official invitation from the national authorities.
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
Content type: Press release
What we do: Elections
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.