OSCE/ODIHR report says Romania’s parliamentary elections administered efficiently, recommends measures to enhance legal framework

Romania’s parliamentary elections on 9 December 2012 were administered professionally and efficiently, concludes the final report of OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights’ Election Expert Team, which adds that more can be done to bring the legal framework further in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards.

The report, released on 15 January 2013, notes that the registration of candidates was inclusive. While the campaign highly polarized, it was lacking in serious debate on policy issues, it concludes.

Although the election law is assessed as having generally provided an adequate framework for democratic elections, the report recommends that it be amended to include the actual procedures implemented. It adds that all amendments should be enacted well ahead of an election through a public procedure in accordance with good practice and OSCE commitments.

The report also suggests that the authorities undertake public outreach campaigns to review the accuracy of voter lists and examine ways to further enhance the transparency of political finance during election campaigns.

Other recommendations in the report include amending the election law to provide for clearer and more precise guidelines for election coverage in the media, and implementing measures to ensure that legislation does not unduly favour national minority organizations already represented in Parliament over those without such representation.