OSCE/ODIHR report says Netherlands early parliamentary elections open and pluralistic, recommends improvements to legal framework

The early parliamentary elections in the Netherlands on 12 September 2012 were conducted in an open and pluralistic manner, but the legal framework could be brought more fully in line with OSCE commitments, concludes the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) released on 16 November 2012.

Voters enjoyed a wide choice of political options, the report notes, while the campaign was characterized by an open atmosphere and respect for fundamental freedoms of association, assembly and expression. The media were assessed as having covered the election campaign extensively, providing citizens with the opportunity to make an informed choice.

According to the report, the legal framework provides a sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections, but could benefit from further elaboration, particularly in areas like the conduct of the campaign, political finance and the complaints and appeals processes.

Discussions on electoral law reform are ongoing and a number of amendments to the legal framework are to be considered by the incoming parliament. However, the report says, further improvements could still be made to bring legislation more fully in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards.

In particular, the report highlights the extensive use of proxy voting and the challenges that it poses for the secrecy and equality of the vote, with the recommendation that proxy voting should be further regulated.