News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
ODIHR opens limited election observation mission in Kyrgyzstan
Publishing date: 9 December 2020
BISHKEK, 9 December 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened a limited election observation mission (LEOM) for the 10 January early presidential election in Kyrgyzstan, following an invitation from the national authorities...
ODIHR opens limited election observation mission in Kazakhstan
Publishing date: 8 December 2020
NUR-SULTAN, 8 December 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened a limited election observation mission (LEOM) for the 10 January parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan. The mission’s deployment follows an invitation from the country’s authorities...
Romania’s parliamentary elections well managed, but weakened by over-hasty legal changes, international observers say
Publishing date: 7 December 2020
BUCHAREST, 7 December 2020 – Romania’s parliamentary elections were well run in adverse circumstances amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, but the late adoption of legislative amendments and some important regulations created uncertainty, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.
Kyrgyzstan parliamentary elections 2020: ODIHR observation mission final report
Publishing date: 3 December 2020
The 2020 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan were conducted under improved legislation, and fundamental rights and freedoms were respected overall. While the campaign was competitive and generally well-managed despite the COVID-19 pandemic, credible allegations of vote buying and questions about
Political parties, coalitions, independent candidates in Mostar promise to ensure fair election after signing pledge supported by OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Publishing date: 18 November 2020
Political parties, coalitions, and independent candidates participating in the 2020 local elections in the City of Mostar scheduled on 20 December 2020 signed an election pledge on 18 November 2020, promising to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. The election pledge was developed by representatives of the Mostar City Election Commissions, civil society organizations and political subjects registered for 2020 local elections in Mostar, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)...
Political actors in Georgia should resolve deadlock and participate in the work of the new parliament, OSCE PA leaders say
Publishing date: 17 November 2020
COPENHAGEN, 17 November 2020 – Amidst demands by the opposition for repeat parliamentary elections in Georgia and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to the South Caucasus country today, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s political and security Chair and the leaders of the OSCE’s recent election observation mission reiterated that political deadlock must be overcome in order to ensure that the voters’ will is respected...
Statement of OSCE Mission to BiH Head Kavalec following the local elections 2020
Publishing date: 17 November 2020
SARAJEVO, 17 November 2020- While the country waits for the official election results, Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, thanked voters in BiH for taking the time to cast their ballots and investing in a democratic future. She also conveyed her gratitude to poll workers who made voting possible, observers who helped ensure the integrity of the election, and to the media for professional delivery of timely and adequate information to the public...