News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE/ODIHR continues election observation in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine but in limited format
Publishing date: 9 October 2020
Based on a shortfall in the number of short-term observers provided by OSCE states due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel and health restrictions, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has decided to limit its missions in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to
Serbia parliamentary elections 2020: ODIHR Special election assessment mission final report
Publishing date: 7 October 2020
The parliamentary elections in Serbia were administered efficiently despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but dominance of the ruling party, including in the media, was a cause for concern. These are some of the main conclusions from the 21 June 2020 elections, as detailed in the final report published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
OSCE and Ukraine’s Central Election Commission launch chatbot to ease access to information in advance of 25 October local elections
Publishing date: 7 October 2020
As of today, 7 October 2020, a chatbot called “CEC about elections”, is available for election commissioners on the ground, candidates and ordinary voters who would like immediate information on various aspects of the upcoming local elections in Ukraine. The chatbot is an artificial intelligence-based application, developed with the support of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator for the country’s Central Election Commission.
Lively campaign and efficient administration of Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections tainted by claims of vote buying, international observers say
Publishing date: 5 October 2020
BISHKEK, 5 October 2020 – Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections were generally well run and candidates could campaign freely, but credible allegations of vote buying remain a serious concern, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today...
OSCE commends the important step made in increasing the transparency and integrity of the election administration in BiH
Publishing date: 2 October 2020
SARAJEVO, 02 October 2020- The OSCE Mission to BiH welcomes the continued efforts of the BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) to increase the transparency and integrity of the election administration.
North Macedonia early parliamentary elections 2020: ODIHR Special election assessment mission final report
Publishing date: 2 October 2020
ODIHR report on 2020 North Macedonia parliamentary elections The early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia were well administered amid necessary COVID-19 related adjustments but persistent shortcomings and instability in the legal framework underlined the need for comprehensive reform in
Voting Matters: Head of OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Principal Deputy High Representative visit Brčko District
Publishing date: 1 October 2020
BRČKO, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1 October 2020 – Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, and the Principal Deputy High Representative and Brčko District Supervisor, Michael Scanlan, concluded today their visit to Brčko District (BD). The focus of the visit was to discuss with local officials the steps they are taking to ensure that the voters of the District can have high confidence in the 15 November election process in the District...