Italy’s parliamentary elections competitive and pluralistic, ODIHR final report says; recommends codifying existing regulations, enhancing campaign finance oversight
While finding that the 4 March 2018 parliamentary elections in Italy were conducted in a professional manner and characterized by a high level of public confidence in the election administration, the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) recommends that existing regulations be codified in electoral legislation to ensure legal certainty and coherence, and that shortcomings noted in this and previous reports be addressed well in advance of the next elections.
The report, published on 6 June 2018, praises special arrangements to facilitate voting for persons with physical disabilities. However, it also notes that such arrangements were not made for persons with intellectual disabilities. It recommends that the election legislation be harmonized with the objectives of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The report assesses campaign finance regulations as generally satisfactory, but notes that the oversight system is not effective in ensuring transparency, integrity and accountability. It recommends enhancing oversight, including by assigning a body with the mandate, adequate powers and resources to lead pro-active and efficient supervision, investigation and enforcement of regulations.
Highlighting that the parliament’s jurisdiction over the validity of the election of its own members raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, the report calls on the authorities to explicitly provide for the legal right to appeal election results to a court as the final authority, as well as to define adequate time limits for all election-related complaints.
Noting a discrepancy in the number of votes needed to be elected, particularly to the Senate and for the out-of-country constituency, the report recommends adhering more closely to the electoral quota for all constituencies, in line with international good practice concerning the equality of the vote, without prejudice to the protection of minorities.
The report notes that some previous ODIHR recommendations have been addressed. It also affirms the ODIHR’s readiness to support Italy in its continued efforts to bring electoral legislation and practice in greater compliance with OSCE commitments.