The document discusses parliamentary election observation by the OSCE. It notes that OSCE observation promotes transparency, confidence, and the exchange of best practices in electoral processes. The OSCE and OSCE PA work cooperatively on observation, relying on the 1990 Copenhagen Commitments that established standards for democratic elections. A typical OSCE PA observation mission involves deploying parliamentarians to observe pre-election periods, election days, and issue preliminary statements evaluating the process. Observation statements can positively recognize progress or note areas still needing improvement to meet OSCE commitments.

1. Parliamentary election observation in the OSCE Riksdagen, 9 February 2011 Tina Schøn, OSCE PA Deputy Secretary General Andreas Baker, OSCE PA Presidential Advisor

2. Why parliamentary observation? Transparency Confidence Improving the process Attention to ‘democracy’ Visibility and credibility

3. Why parliamentary observation? Exchanges of ‘best practice’ … or worst: (The poster in background is by opponent party)

4. Co-operation OSCE: ODIHR – PA Long-term observation plus political input Parliamentary expertise and visibility

5. Co-operation OSCE: ODIHR – PA 1997 Co-operation Agreement Exchange of information Logistical support OSCE Special Co-ordinator Preliminary post-election statement

6. Co-operation Parliamentary partners CoE NATO PA EP … and CIS IPA

7. Origins of OSCE election observation OSCE election observation was ‘born’ in Sweden 1993 Chairmanship of Foreign Minister MargarethaafUgglas December 1993: first major OSCE observation mission, Russian Duma elections

8. Origins of OSCE election observation Since 1993, the OSCE PA has deployed 3,429 parliamentarians 111 elections

9. Basis for OSCE observation – The Copenhagen Commitments The 1990 Document of the Copenhagen Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE

10. Basis for OSCE observation – The Copenhagen Commitments Countries pledged to (inter alia): “clear separation between the State and political parties” (5.4) “hold free elections at reasonable intervals” (7.1) “guarantee universal and equal suffrage to adult citizens” (7.3) “ensure that votes are cast by secret ballot … and are counted and reported honestly” (7.4)

11. Basis for OSCE observation – The Copenhagen Commitments “respect the right of citizens to seek political or public office” (7.5) “respect the right of individuals and groups to establish … their own political parties” (7.6) “permit political campaigning be conducted in a fair and free atmosphere (7.7) Ensure that there is no hindrance that “bars the parties and candidates from freely presenting their views and qualifications, or prevents voters from learning and discussing them” (7.7) Ensure “unimpeded access to the media on a non-discriminatory basis” (7.8)

12. Basis for OSCE observation – The Copenhagen Commitments and countries agree that … “the presence of observers, both foreign and domestic, can enhance the electoral process … They therefore invite observers from any other CSCE participating States to observe the course of their national election proceedings” These pledges remain the basis for OSCE observation today

13. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission

14. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission Delegation formation Appointment of Head of Mission Chairmanship appointment Work with other Assemblies Nominations by parliaments 10% rule

15. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission Prior to arrival: Briefing material distributed Media coverage Foreign Ministries

16. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission Parliamentary briefings

17. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission Election day Polling stations Take time to observe Regular reporting Long hours

18. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission

19. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission Debriefing Input from all observers to HoM In time for contribution to mission statement

20. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission Statement / press conference Head(s) of Delegations

21. A ‘typical’ OSCE PA observation mission 2008 OSCE PA Declaration: Participation is only allowed if: “the observers commit themselves to attend the full briefing programme as well as the debriefing preceding and following the mission”.

22. Statements … and impact

23. Statements … and impact Ukraine, February 2010 (2nd round) “This election consolidated progress achieved since 2004.” “The lack of confidence and the deficient legal framework … constitute an immediate challenge for the new leadership.” “The professional, transparent and honest voting and counting should serve as a solid foundation for a peaceful transition of power.”

24. Statements … and impact United Kingdom, May 2010 “demonstrated that democracy is a vibrant force in the world’s oldest parliamentary system.” “direct debates between the leaders of the three major parties sparked interest in the democratic process” “hope and expect that the authorities will reconsider guidelines instructing polling station officials not to issue ballots to citizens waiting to vote at 10:00 pm.”

25. Statements … and impact United States, November 2010 “demonstrated again the country’s commitment to democracy” “at times intense and dirty campaign … with money playing a significant role in creating an uneven playing field between candidates.” “Upwards of four billion dollars were spent on the campaigns … The adds … also turned off many voters.”

26. Statements … and impact Moldova, November 2010 “met most OSCE and Council of Europe commitments” “diverse field of candidates provided voters with a genuine choice” “Since the last elections, legal reforms and practical measures have improved the electoral framework”

27. Statements … and impact Belarus, December 2010 “still has a considerable way to go in meeting its OSCE commitments” “Election night was marred by detentions of most presidential candidates, and hundreds of activists” “the process deteriorated significantly during the vote count undermining the steps taken to improve the election” “In some cases the figures recorded in the results of polling station protocols were different upon arrival at the Territorial Election Commissions.”

28. Final thoughts OSCE observation today and in the future Political implications for the OSCE Follow-up