OSCE/ODIHR presents recommendations from final report on 2012 parliamentary elections in Belarus

A team from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) visited Minsk from 5 to 7 March 2013 to present the final report of the Election Observation Mission for the 23 September 2012 parliamentary elections in Belarus.

The team met with representatives from the state authorities, political parties, civil society and the international community to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations on bringing election-related legislation and practice in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards. The team also discussed how ODIHR could support future efforts, at the request of the Belarusian authorities, to address the recommendations.

The report recommends that electoral reform be undertaken well in advance of the next elections, adding that the reform process should be transparent and inclusive of all parts of society. To enhance transparency and confidence in the election results, the report recommends that clear, open and transparent procedures for the counting of votes be established and strictly implemented.

The recommendations offered in the report are also aimed at increasing the independence and impartiality of the election administration and at addressing problems in the system for resolving electoral disputes by ensuring that all decisions by election commissions are subject to judicial appeal.

The presentation of the final report is in line with the commitments made by all OSCE participating States to follow up promptly on ODIHR election mission assessments and recommendations.