Iceland, Referendum, 29 August 2026

Following an invitation to observe the 29 August 2026 referendum in Iceland, and in accordance with its mandate, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) undertook a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) from 14 to 17 July. The NAM was composed of Lusine Badalyan, ODIHR Senior Election Adviser, and Ranko Vukčević, ODIHR Election Adviser.

The purpose of the NAM was to assess the pre-referendum environment and preparations for the referendum. Based on this assessment, the NAM recommends whether to deploy an ODIHR observation activity for the forthcoming referendum and, if so, what type of activity best meets the identified needs. The NAM held meetings with officials from state institutions and representatives of political parties, media, civil society, academia, and the international community. A full list of interlocutors is annexed to this report.

ODIHR would like to thank the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for its co-operation and assistance in organizing the NAM. ODIHR would also like to thank all of its interlocutors for taking the time to meet with the NAM and for sharing their views.