ODIHR final report on Iceland parliamentary elections recommends further steps to codify election administration regulations and practice, increase transparency of campaign finance

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 28 October 2017 early parliamentary elections in Iceland recommends measures to ensure greater legal certainty and coherence in areas such as candidate registration and voting procedures, as well as to address other identified shortcomings.

The report, published on 2 March 2018, notes that the elections were administered efficiently and professionally. The structure of election administration is well established in practice and appears to function well, it says. The observers pointed out, however, that the process could benefit from greater consistency and standardization, and the report recommends establishing an independent electoral management body with authority over the entire election process.

The report also states that, while the candidate registration process was inclusive, there are no legal criteria for the verification of signatures. It recommends that the long-standing practice of candidate registration be codified, including the introduction of clear guidance and timelines for the verification of signatures and the rectification of possible issues by political parties.

While pointing out that early voting has a long tradition in Iceland and enjoys a high level of public confidence, the report calls on the authorities to review and codify the provisions for and the practice of early voting. This is needed to ensure that early voting does not begin before the candidate registration process is over. The report also recommends streamlining the various procedures for early voting and voting on election day.

Noting changes in campaign finance regulations introduced since 2011, the report further recommends lowering the public disclosure threshold for individual donations and regulating political campaigning by third parties ahead of elections. This includes establishing requirements for reporting on third parties’ election-related expenditures.

The report notes that some efforts have been made, including the creation of working groups, to address previous ODIHR recommendations. It affirms the Office’s readiness to support Iceland in its continued efforts to bring electoral legislation and practice in greater compliance with OSCE commitments.