OSCE/ODIHR publishes handbook on observing electoral campaign finance

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 21 January 2015 released a publication to provide better guidance for election observers in examining campaign finance as part of the overall assessment of elections.

The Handbook on the Observation of Campaign Finance – the first tool of its kind for the OSCE region – outlines the key issues to be assessed, including the legal framework, contribution and spending limits, reporting and disclosure requirements, oversight and enforcement.

“Across the OSCE region, the regulation of campaign finance is evolving to meet new challenges, including demands for greater transparency and accountability,” said Beata Martin-Rozumiłowicz, Head of the ODIHR Elections Department. “The increased attention among regulators, voters and electoral contestants provides an opportune moment to set out a more comprehensive and standardized methodology for observing campaign finance.”

The handbook combines explanations of technical aspects related to campaign finance with practical advice for election observers on how to approach the topic. Regulators and citizen observer groups can also make use of the handbook to improve campaign finance rules and practice.

Barbara Jouan, member of the French National Commission for Control of Electoral Accounts and Political Finance, said: “Campaign finance issues have a significant impact on the quality of elections and ODIHR observation missions can help identify ways to strengthen regulations and practice in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards.”

ODIHR developed the handbook as part of its continued efforts to improve its methodology and to increase professionalism in the observation of certain specialized aspects of elections. The handbook was funded by extra-budgetary contributions from OSCE participating States.