ODIHR experts discuss Italy’s electoral reform during follow-up visit to Rome

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented their final report on Italy’s 2018 parliamentary elections during a visit to Rome that took place from 29 November to 1 December 2021.

The experts discussed the report’s key findings and recommendations with representatives of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior, both houses of the Italian Parliament, the media regulator and civil society organizations.

Discussions focused on the report’s priority recommendations such as revising the legal framework, including the codification of electoral legislation, ensuring equality of the vote, guaranteeing the voting rights of people with disabilities, establishing an effective oversight body for campaign finance and ensuring the right to a timely legal remedy.

ODIHR experts emphasized the importance of addressing recommendations made in its reports in an inclusive and consultative process well ahead of the next elections. They also discussed potential areas for further co-operation with national institutions and offered various forms of assistance to further improve the electoral process, including technical discussions, legal reviews and thematic workshops.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.