OSCE/ODIHR presents electoral recommendations in Finland

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented, from 14 to 16 May 2012 in Helsinki, the final report of the Election Assessment Mission to the 17 April 2011 parliamentary elections in Finland.

The report’s findings were presented at a roundtable discussion organized by the Finnish Ministry of Justice. ODIHR also met with representatives from state authorities, all eight political parties represented in parliament, civil society organizations and the media to discuss the report’s recommendations on bringing election-related legislation and practice better in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards.

The report’s recommendations focus on improving transparency and accountability in party and campaign financing, the issue of timely and effective legal redress and the need for more inclusive rights to stand as a candidate, as well as provisions to fully protect the secrecy of the ballot for voters with disabilities.

ODIHR emphasized the possibility of assisting in implementing these recommendations, upon the request of the Finnish authorities. All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.