OSCE/ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations in Latvia

Experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report and recommendations of the assessment mission to the 6 October 2018 parliamentary elections in Latvia.

ODIHR experts reiterated their earlier assessment that the elections were well-administered, with a high level of public confidence in the process, but proposed ways in which the legislative framework could be further refined. The authorities highlighted developments that are in line with ODIHR recommendations, including updates to some complaints procedures, additional voter education related to secrecy of the vote and efforts to increase the naturalization rate of non-citizens. In particular, the ODIHR team was informed about ongoing work to introduce a permanent voter register for parliamentary elections, in line with a prior recommendation, as well as proposed changes to rules on party and campaign finance.

“ODIHR welcomes constructive steps by the authorities to further improve the electoral process,” said Lusine Badalyan, Acting Deputy Head of the ODIHR Elections Department. “We look forward to hearing about progress in establishing the permanent voter register, and stand ready to provide legal and technical expertise, if requested.”

The experts visited Riga from 28 to 30 October 2019, where they met officials from the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other government ministries and agencies, and representatives of civil society organizations.

All OSCE participating States have committed to promptly following up on ODIHR electoral assessments and recommendations.