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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Cyprus parliamentary elections 2021: ODIHR election expert team final report
Publishing date: 16 December 2021
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
The 2021 parliamentary elections in Cyprus were governed by the legal framework that generally provided for the conduct of democratic elections; however, the legislation remains overly complex and requires comprehensive review. While the party finance legislation was amended to enhance
ODIHR experts discuss Italy’s electoral reform during follow-up visit to Rome
Publishing date: 1 December 2021
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented their final report on Italy’s 2018 parliamentary elections during a visit to Rome that took place from 29 November to 1 December 2021. The experts discussed the report’s key findings and
Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections competitive but lacked meaningful voter engagement, international observers say
Publishing date: 29 November 2021
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
BISHKEK, 29 November 2021 – Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections were competitive, but they lacked meaningful voter engagement due to a stifled campaign, constitutional changes weakening parliament and extensive legislative changes to key aspects of the election. Generally adequate election legislation was undermined by limitations on civil and political rights as well as diminished separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. Voters had a wide range of political options to choose from. Election preparations were handled efficiently by the election administration, and election day was peaceful, international observers said in a statement today.
North Macedonia’s second round of local elections was competitive but allegations of pressure on voters persisted, ODIHR observers say
Publishing date: 1 November 2021
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
SKOPJE, 1 November 2021 – The second round of North Macedonia’s local elections was competitive and the election administration took efforts to address some procedural shortcomings from the first round. However, negative rhetoric and allegations of pressure on voters and candidates continued to affect the elections, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.
Georgia’s local election run-off competitive and well run, but undermined by deepening polarization and continued unlevel playing field
Publishing date: 31 October 2021
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
TBILISI, 31 October 2021 – The second round of Georgia’s local elections was generally competitive and organized professionally, but increasing polarization and negative rhetoric, as well as allegations of voter intimidation and the continuing advantage of incumbency, demonstrate the need for further reforms, international observers said in a statement today.
Armenia Early Parliamentary Elections: ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report
Publishing date: 27 October 2021
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
The 2021 early parliamentary elections in Armenia were competitive and generally well-managed within a short timeframe. They were, however, characterized by intense polarization and marred by increasingly inflammatory rhetoric among key contestants. While the legal framework is generally
Bulgaria — 4 April parliamentary elections and 11 July early parliamentary elections 2021: ODIHR observation final reports
Publishing date: 25 October 2021
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
Following this year’s elections in Bulgaria, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published reports on the 4 April parliamentary elections and 11 July early parliamentary elections. In the April parliamentary elections fundamental freedoms were respected. The