ODIHR reaffirms commitment to principles for international election observation on 20th anniversary amidst new challenges

WARSAW/GENEVA, 12 December 2025 – Two decades after the declaration of principles for international election observation was first signed, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) joined partners from the international election observation community to reaffirm its commitment to independent and objective election observation as a vital means of support for countries in holding genuinely democratic elections.

“In times of democratic backsliding, carrying out international election observation to the highest professional standards is vital to help ensure that elections express the free will of the people,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “ODIHR is proud to be a member of the international community working to provide an accurate and impartial assessment of every election we observe, helping to strengthen the electoral process and at the same time increase the confidence of citizens in democracy.”

At this week’s anniversary meeting in Geneva, international partners who have signed up to the declaration of principles (DoP) met to review and reflect on their 20 years of combined experience and shared achievements. Discussions also centred on urgent and evolving challenges, including geopolitical polarisation, democratic backsliding, increasing funding constraints, and the growing trend towards digital threats and disinformation in elections.

More than 20 internationally active organisations involved in election observation took part in the development of the DoP. It was formally inaugurated in 2005, and is endorsed by 54 organisations continually working to develop and improve international election observation. All OSCE states have recognised the importance of holding democratic elections, and have also acknowledged the value of election observation by both international and domestic observers.