USA general elections 2020: ODIHR observation mission final report

The general elections in the United States of America were highly competitive and well managed in spite of the legal uncertainties and logistical challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Aggressive rhetoric and unsubstantiated claims about election fraud reduced public trust in the process. However, formal procedures put in place ahead of the election, together with committed civic engagement, led to high voter participation despite the many challenges. These are some of the main conclusions of the final report on the November 3rd US general elections, published today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The report offers 38 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections in the United States of America and to support the country’s efforts in bringing them in line with OSCE commitments, as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

ODIHR’s Limited Election Observation Mission to the November 3, 2020 general elections in the United States of America took up its work on 29 September 2020 and remained in the country until 15 November. All 57 countries across the OSCE region have committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.