OSCE/ODIHR final report on Croatia’s parliamentary elections recommends measures to bring legislation and practice closer in line with OSCE commitments

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Croatia’s 8 November 2015 parliamentary elections recommends the harmonization of electoral legislation and ensuring equality of the vote among electoral constituencies, in line with OSCE commitments and international standards.

While noting that some prior OSCE/ODIHR recommendations had been addressed and that the elections were professionally administered, the report, published on 19 February 2016, recommends the extension of legal deadlines for the conduct of elections to ensure that electoral timelines are fully respected. It also recommends that fundamental electoral rules not be changed less than one year before elections are held.

While noting that candidate registration was open and inclusive, the report recommends that, in line with the OSCE commitments, independent candidates be allowed to run in elections individually, rather than on lists with other candidates. With a drop in women’s parliamentary representation to 15 per cent, the report adds that existing legislative measures to promote women candidates should be strengthened to encourage compliance, with the aim of achieving greater gender balance in parliament.

The report states that campaigning took place in an open atmosphere with respect for freedoms of expression and assembly, and that the media complied with legal obligations. However, citing concerns about media freedom, the report calls on the authorities to decriminalize defamation and insult, in line with international standards.

Although noting existing measures to encourage national minority political representation, the report encourages the authorities to consider additional steps to promote more effective participation. It recommends that any change to the system of national minority representation be implemented in an inclusive manner and account for the principle of equality of the vote to the extent possible.