OSCE election observation body begins assessment of presidential elections in Bulgaria

WARSAW, 16 October 2006 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights today began an election assessment mission for the 22 October presidential elections in Bulgaria at the invitation of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry.

The mission, comprising of six experts headed by election expert Ron Gould, will assess the elections for their compliance with principles for democratic electoral processes and commitments agreed to by all OSCE participating States, as well as national legislation.

The experts will follow campaign activities, the legislative framework and its implementation, the media situation, the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies, as well as the resolution of election disputes.

No systematic Election Day observation of polling station procedures is planned but a small number of polling stations will be visited on Election Day. A final report with findings and recommendations will be issued approximately two months after the election process ends.

The OSCE/ODIHR sent an election assessment team to the 2005 parliamentary elections in Bulgaria. It also observed the country's parliamentary elections in 2001 and 1997, and presidential elections in 1996.