While noting welcoming attitude by the authorities, OSCE/ODIHR final report on Presidential election in Belarus recommends comprehensive and inclusive review of national legislation
The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 11 October 2015 presidential election in Belarus recommends a comprehensive and inclusive review of national legislation to bring it in line with international obligations and standards for conducting democratic elections.
The report, which was published on 28 January 2016, specifically recommends amending the Electoral Code to ensure the integrity and transparency of all stages of the electoral process, in particular to ensure a genuinely pluralistic composition of election commissions and to guarantee an honest counting of the votes.
The report’s recommendations highlight that the country still has a considerable way to go in meeting its OSCE commitments for democratic elections. That all candidates were able to campaign throughout the country and convey their messages in an unhindered manner and that, following an open and unrestricted invitation from the authorities, the Central Election Commission exhibited a welcoming attitude towards international observers, are also noted in the report’s assessment.
It recommends that the authorities ensure a clear separation of the state and partisan political interests, that they provide for equal treatment of all electoral contestants before the law, and that measures be taken to ensure the unrestricted access of citizen and international observers to all aspects of the electoral process.
With regards to voter registration, the report recommends that voters be able to inspect the voter register and request changes to their information prior to election day.
Noting concerns over freedom of the media, the report recommends that authorities reconsider accreditation regulations to allow journalists from domestic media outlets to work for foreign-based outlets, including those with coverage focusing on Belarus.
To enhance transparency and accountability, the report recommends that election results be published and disaggregated by polling station, and that necessary safeguards be implemented for the entire election process, including early voting.
The report also recommends ensuring that the complaints and appeals procedure provides every voter the right to file complaints against any decision of the election administration.
ODIHR conducted election day observation in a joint effort with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.