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Handbook for the Observation of Election Campaigns and Political Environments

An essential part of election processes are election campaigns, in which candidates compete for voter support. During election campaigns political actors energize society, invigorate and mobilize the electorate, but at the same time these are periods when fundamental freedoms are put to the test. Election campaigns provide an opportunity for all election stakeholders, including the authorities, political parties and voters, to demonstrate respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights.

The Handbook sets out the ODIHR approach to observation and assessment of election campaigns and their political environments. It draws on relevant international obligations and standards for democratic elections, with an emphasis on OSCE commitments, as well as international good practice. The Handbook provides a general set of considerations that can also be used by anyone interested in the assessment of a political environment and the conditions necessary for the conduct of genuine, pluralistic election campaigns.

Date:: 14 October 2021
Source:: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Publisher:: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Our work:: Elections

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The views, opinions, conclusions and other information expressed in this document are not given nor necessarily endorsed by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) unless the OSCE is explicitly defined as the Author of this document.

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