OSCE/ODIHR: Election administration in Romania effective but suspending use of voter cards raises questions
(OSCE)The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights regularly monitors
elections within the 57 OSCE states. (OSCE) Photo details
BUCHAREST, 29 November 2004 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) conducted an Election Assessment Mission in Romania for the presidential and parliamentary elections on 28 November.
The mission consisted of 18 international election experts from 13 OSCE participating States.
"While the democratic election process appears to be further consolidated in Romania, some procedural concerns have been raised regarding suspension of the use of voter cards. In the context of a closely contested election, this has the potential to affect public confidence," said Ambassador Stephen Nash, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Assessment Mission.
"The overall election administration, including the processing of voters on election day, seemed professional and efficiently organized. However, the hard-fought campaign was occasionally marred by negative campaigning."
Gerald Mitchell, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Section, who also participated in the mission said: "The OSCE/ODIHR Assessment Mission did not receive any convincing information that explained the suspension of the use of voter cards for these elections. This, combined with the possibility to vote in any polling station, has the potential to open the door for multiple voting. Any such alleged problems should be fully dealt with through the appropriate administrative and judicial processes."
The OSCE/ODIHR Assessment Mission focused on the legal framework for elections, election administration, the campaign, and the role of the media, as well as participation of national minorities, including Roma, as past experience indicates that this part of the electorate is particularly vulnerable.
The Mission met candidates and representatives of political parties, government officials, electoral authorities, the media, national minorities and civil society.
The OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission, based in Bucharest, deployed teams to Cluj, Constanta, Iasi, Timis, and some other areas with Roma populations.
On election day, the Assessment Mission visited a limited number of polling stations in Brasov, Cluj, Iasi, Neams, Prahova, Timis, Dambovita, Vrancea and the capital Bucharest.
The OSCE/ODIHR will continue to follow the election process and will prepare its Final Report, including recommendations, approximately one month after its completion.
The mission consisted of 18 international election experts from 13 OSCE participating States.
"While the democratic election process appears to be further consolidated in Romania, some procedural concerns have been raised regarding suspension of the use of voter cards. In the context of a closely contested election, this has the potential to affect public confidence," said Ambassador Stephen Nash, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Assessment Mission.
"The overall election administration, including the processing of voters on election day, seemed professional and efficiently organized. However, the hard-fought campaign was occasionally marred by negative campaigning."
Gerald Mitchell, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Section, who also participated in the mission said: "The OSCE/ODIHR Assessment Mission did not receive any convincing information that explained the suspension of the use of voter cards for these elections. This, combined with the possibility to vote in any polling station, has the potential to open the door for multiple voting. Any such alleged problems should be fully dealt with through the appropriate administrative and judicial processes."
The OSCE/ODIHR Assessment Mission focused on the legal framework for elections, election administration, the campaign, and the role of the media, as well as participation of national minorities, including Roma, as past experience indicates that this part of the electorate is particularly vulnerable.
The Mission met candidates and representatives of political parties, government officials, electoral authorities, the media, national minorities and civil society.
The OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission, based in Bucharest, deployed teams to Cluj, Constanta, Iasi, Timis, and some other areas with Roma populations.
On election day, the Assessment Mission visited a limited number of polling stations in Brasov, Cluj, Iasi, Neams, Prahova, Timis, Dambovita, Vrancea and the capital Bucharest.
The OSCE/ODIHR will continue to follow the election process and will prepare its Final Report, including recommendations, approximately one month after its completion.