OSCE/ODIHR final report on Armenia’s Constitutional Referendum recommends inclusive electoral reform

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Armenia’s 6 December 2015 Constitutional Referendum concluded that the legal framework generally provides a solid basis for the conduct of referenda, but further steps should be taken to bring legislation closer in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards.

The report of the ODIHR expert team, published on 5 February 2016, recommends that electoral reform be carried out in an inclusive manner and that all stakeholders make reasonable efforts to build a broad consensus around the reform. It also recommends the review of electoral dispute resolution procedures, so as to provide all stakeholders with effective remedy.

While noting efforts by the authorities to improve the confidence in the voter register, the report suggests addressing persistent concerns with the accuracy of the voter lists. It further recommends the introduction of effective and consistent safeguards against potential multiple voting.

During the campaign, basic freedoms of association, expression, assembly and movement were largely respected. However, in noting that considerable public funds were used during the campaign, the report recommends strengthened campaign finance regulations to enhance transparency and guarantee equality of opportunity for all interested parties.

In noting the limited capacity of the media regulatory body, the report encourages efforts to enhance its oversight role both during and outside of the campaign period. It also notes that measures should be taken to ensure full transparency of media ownership.