Latvian parliamentary vote marked by pluralism and respect for fundamental freedoms, OSCE observers say
RIGA, 18 September 2011 – Yesterday’s early parliamentary elections in Latvia took place in a democratic and pluralistic environment and were marked by the rule of law, respect of fundamental freedoms, and functioning democratic institutions, observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) concluded in a statement issued today.
“This election has been run professionally and voters were provided a genuine choice between parties offering different platforms,” said Konrad Olszewski, the head of the ODIHR limited election observation mission.
The observers noted that some political parties made efforts to reach out to both main linguistic communities, although parties are still broadly perceived as representing either Latvian speakers or the considerable Russian-speaking minority, many of whom are non-citizens.
While it is admissible to restrict voting rights to citizens, it remains a challenge that non-citizens, constituting some 16 per cent of Latvia’s adult population, do not participate in the electoral process and are left without representation.
The campaign in the lead-up to election day was low key, intensifying only in the last week. Well-developed and relatively strict campaign finance regulations were generally respected, and violations prosecuted promptly.
The legal framework is generally adequate, although there still is no possibility for independent candidates to stand, in contravention of OSCE commitments.
The media provided voters with the possibility to access a variety of political opinions.
On election day, election commissions in the limited number of polling stations visited by the ODIHR observers followed procedures and fulfilled their duties in a professional manner, but the layout of polling stations and occasional overcrowding did not always ensure the secrecy of the vote.
The ODIHR mission will stay in the country to follow the remaining stages of the electoral process and will issue a final report with recommendations in about two months.