Federal Assembly Elections, 18 October 2015
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Mission at a glance
- Two experts from two participating States, based in Bern
Mission schedule
- 8 October: Opening of the mission
- 18 October: Election day
- 22 October: Closing of the mission
Following an invitation from the Government of Switzerland, and based on the findings and conclusions of a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM), the OSCE/ODIHR has deployed an Election Expert Team (EET) for the 18 October federal assembly elections.
ODIHR conducted a NAM from 9 to 11 June 2015 to assess the pre-election environment and the preparations for the federal assembly elections in order to recommend whether to deploy an OSCE/ODIHR election-related activity for the forthcoming election, and if so, what type of activity best meets the identified needs. The NAM recommended the deployment of an expert team.
Mission Activities
The expert team began work on 8 October and includes two international experts, drawn from two OSCE participating States.
The team will assess the election process in terms of its compliance with OSCE commitments, other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as national legislation. Observers will, in particular, look into aspects related to Internet voting.
In line with ODIHR’s methodology for assessment missions, the team will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting and tabulation on election day.
The team, which will remain in Switzerland until 22 October, will issue a report approximately two months after the completion of the election process.
Previous Elections
The OSCE/ODIHR has previously assessed parliamentary elections in Switzerland in 2011 and 2007.