Newsroom
OSCE finds potential multiple voting addressed in Romanian election, but administrative problems persist
BUCHAREST 13 December 2004
BUCHAREST, 13 December 2004 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) continued its Election Assessment Mission for the second round of Romania's presidential election on 12 December. While administrative problems persisted, at this stage in the process the overall conduct of the election was estimated by the OSCE/ODIHR to be satisfactory.
"The primary concern during the first round of the elections - the suspension of an important safeguard to prevent potential multiple voting - was partially addressed during the second round by establishing a limited number of polling stations for persons voting away from their place of residence," said Ambassador Stephen Nash, Head of the Election Assessment Mission. This measure was agreed upon among the main election stakeholders, although it had an unclear legal basis.
"The implementation of this decision, and subsequent modifications introduced late in the process, caused considerable difficulty for voters and election officials," he added.
The limited number of such special polling stations resulted in long queues and a considerable number of voters being turned away when the polling stations closed at nine in the evening. "The disenfranchisement of these voters, many of whom waited patiently for several hours, is particularly regrettable," Ambassador Nash said.
Gerald Mitchell, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Section, added: "Temporary measures taken to address potential multiple voting are no substitute for the use of voter identity cards, an essential safeguard in a system that permits individuals to vote at virtually any polling station throughout the country. The OSCE/ODIHR stands ready to assist the Romanian authorities to address aspects of the legal framework and administrative procedures prior to future elections."
A limited assessment of polling procedures indicated that election day was generally administered in an orderly manner in regular polling stations. There was a notable presence in polling stations of domestic observers, who observed in most counties, some of whom reported cases of intimidation towards observers as well as other irregularities.
The OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission noted that the two candidates were able to convey their messages to the electorate, although false and deceptive campaign materials were circulated, and the media were reportedly subjected to various forms of political pressure.
Difficulties in the administration of the election were caused by deficiencies in training and co-ordination. Public confidence in the impartiality of the election administration needs to be enhanced. Some partial preliminary results published after the first round of voting included incorrect voting tabulations, reducing public trust, and while there was a technical explanation, the corrections raised additional questions about how the number of voters had originally been recorded.
The OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission, which consisted of 15 international election experts, focused its attention 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. Its findings will be elaborated in a final report to be published in approximately one month.
"The primary concern during the first round of the elections - the suspension of an important safeguard to prevent potential multiple voting - was partially addressed during the second round by establishing a limited number of polling stations for persons voting away from their place of residence," said Ambassador Stephen Nash, Head of the Election Assessment Mission. This measure was agreed upon among the main election stakeholders, although it had an unclear legal basis.
"The implementation of this decision, and subsequent modifications introduced late in the process, caused considerable difficulty for voters and election officials," he added.
The limited number of such special polling stations resulted in long queues and a considerable number of voters being turned away when the polling stations closed at nine in the evening. "The disenfranchisement of these voters, many of whom waited patiently for several hours, is particularly regrettable," Ambassador Nash said.
Gerald Mitchell, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Section, added: "Temporary measures taken to address potential multiple voting are no substitute for the use of voter identity cards, an essential safeguard in a system that permits individuals to vote at virtually any polling station throughout the country. The OSCE/ODIHR stands ready to assist the Romanian authorities to address aspects of the legal framework and administrative procedures prior to future elections."
A limited assessment of polling procedures indicated that election day was generally administered in an orderly manner in regular polling stations. There was a notable presence in polling stations of domestic observers, who observed in most counties, some of whom reported cases of intimidation towards observers as well as other irregularities.
The OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission noted that the two candidates were able to convey their messages to the electorate, although false and deceptive campaign materials were circulated, and the media were reportedly subjected to various forms of political pressure.
Difficulties in the administration of the election were caused by deficiencies in training and co-ordination. Public confidence in the impartiality of the election administration needs to be enhanced. Some partial preliminary results published after the first round of voting included incorrect voting tabulations, reducing public trust, and while there was a technical explanation, the corrections raised additional questions about how the number of voters had originally been recorded.
The OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission, which consisted of 15 international election experts, focused its attention 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. Its findings will be elaborated in a final report to be published in approximately one month.