OSCE/ODIHR final report on Serbia’s elections notes respect for fundamental freedoms, recommends steps to further enhance transparency of election process

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Serbia’s parliamentary and early presidential elections, held on 6 and 20 May 2012, concludes that they were characterized by a respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, and offers recommendations on enhancing the transparency of the election process.

The report, published on 31 July 2012, says that while the legal framework provides an overall sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections, it should be reviewed, consolidated and harmonized, possibly by introducing a single comprehensive electoral code.

It notes that, while electoral bodies did ensure that the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission had full access to all stages of the electoral process, provisions for domestic and international election observation should be enshrined in law.

The report also recommends that further efforts be undertaken to enhance the accuracy of the voter register. Allowing for greater transparency during the compilation of the voter register could strengthen public confidence, the report adds.

The resolution of electoral disputes should be transparent in all jurisdictions, the report says, with the parties concerned able to attend the hearings and present their cases directly or through their legal representatives, as guaranteed by law.

Other recommendations include measures to enhance the transparency of media ownership.