Intimidation of observers at odds with OSCE commitments to ensure transparent elections, ODIHR Director says

WARSAW, 10 July 2015 – Michael Georg Link, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), today called on governments to support the work of independent observers to strengthen the electoral process. OSCE participating States have recognized election observation’s important role in promoting transparency and accountability, as well as enhancing public confidence in elections.

“Citizen observers have an internationally recognised right to associate and conduct election observation activities without undue restrictions or interference,” Director Link said. “I call on all participating States to promote, rather than restrict or prevent the work of such groups across the OSCE area.”

In Copenhagen in 1990, OSCE participating States agreed that the presence of observers, both foreign and domestic, can enhance the electoral process, and, therefore, these groups should be invited to observe and access should be facilitated.

The ODIHR Director’s statement followed searches carried out Tuesday 7 July at staff homes and the offices of Golos, a reputable and professional citizen observer group, as they prepare to observe the upcoming municipal elections on 13 September.

The ODIHR Director expressed his concern over intimidation of citizen election observers in Russia, as well as broader restrictions on election observers throughout the OSCE region.

“Intimidation of independent citizen election observers is intolerable,” Director Link said. “Russia, like all countries in the OSCE, has an obligation to guarantee unhindered election observation. The action taken this week in Moscow against Golos is contrary to the country’s OSCE commitments.”