OSCE's election watchdog body begins observation ahead of Latvian elections

WARSAW/RIGA, 18 September 2006 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights today opened a Limited Election Observation Mission ahead of the 7 October parliamentary elections in Latvia.

The mission, led by Ambassador Boris Frlec, is composed of a team of 11 election experts and six long-term observers from 12 OSCE countries. The long-term observers will be deployed to three regions outside of Riga - Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale.

The limited election observation mission will focus on the legal framework and its implementation, the work of the election administration at central and regional levels, the political campaign, the media coverage of the campaign and issues related to the participation of minority populations in the election process.

The election mission will not include short-term observers. A final report with findings and recommendations will be issued approximately 8 weeks after the elections.