ODIHR final report on Cyprus’s presidential election recommends comprehensive review of election-related laws, enhanced campaign finance provisions

While Cyprus’s legal framework is adequate, overall, for the conduct of democratic elections, it is overly complex. Therefore, a comprehensive review well in advance of the next elections is recommended to further harmonize, clarify, and update electoral legislation, says the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the country’s 28 January and 4 February 2018 presidential election.

The report, released on 4 May 2018, notes that the election was held in a competitive and pluralistic environment characterized by respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The authorities could, however, reconsider mandatory voter registration for each election, the report said.

Noting that stakeholders expressed confidence in most stages of the electoral process, the report indicated that several aspects of campaign finance remain under-regulated. It recommends further defining campaign contributions, including in-kind contributions, and the method of valuation, as well as setting reasonable limits on the amount, source and type of contributions. Additional recommendations on campaign finance focus on clarifying the authorities’ oversight and monitoring functions and enhancing their enforcement capacities.

The report also points out that, while the media provided voters with a plurality of views, rigid and prescriptive campaign coverage rules largely dictated by political actors curtailed debate. The report, therefore, recommends harmonizing fair treatment provisions for candidates and introducing minimum guaranteed coverage for each candidate.

Other recommendations include enhancing the effectiveness of the election dispute resolution system, to provide for effective remedy, and revising restrictive criteria for candidacy.