Austria’s legal framework provides sound basis for democratic elections, says OSCE/ODIHR report, more transparency needed

Austria’s legal framework provides a sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections, concludes the final report of the OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on the country’s 29 September 2013 parliamentary elections. Authorities can take further measures to enhance the transparency of the electoral process, though.

The report, published on 23 December 2013, acknowledges that the authorities have addressed a number of previous recommendations made by OSCE/ODIHR in the areas of campaign finance and the regulation of alternative voting mechanisms, such as postal voting and voting at mobile or special polling stations.

However, further consideration should be given to amending the Financing of Political Parties Act to encourage more timely and detailed campaign finance reports and ensure that sanctions for financial violations are proportional, effective and dissuasive. The authorities are also asked to continue developing secure alternative voting methods, with a view to ensuring the secrecy of the vote.

The report recommends that working sessions of the Federal Election Board, which is responsible for the overall conduct of elections, should be open to the public, media and civil society, to enhance the transparency of its work.

It is also recommended that the appeals procedure provide for judicial review of complaints before final results of the election are declared. Authorities should also consider amending the electoral legislation to allow for the presence of both international and citizen observers in line with OSCE commitments.