OSCE/ODIHR discusses electoral recommendations with Norwegian authorities

A delegation from the Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Modernization met elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw on 7 February 2014 to discuss the final report of the ODIHR Election Assessment Mission for last year’s parliamentary elections in Norway.

Recommendations discussed during the meeting related to candidate nomination procedures, the selection process for membership of the election management body, campaign financing and the electoral dispute resolution system – in particular, the possibility of providing the right of appeal to a competent court in all election-related matters.

“Election observation is not an end in itself, but is intended to assist states in implementing their election-related obligations and OSCE commitments” said Beata Martin-Rozumilowicz, Head of the ODIHR Elections Department. “We welcome today’s visit by the Norwegian delegation, as the discussions provide an example of the type of co-operation that can turn election report recommendations into concrete measures to improve electoral processes.”

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR's election assessments and recommendations.

During the meeting, ODIHR also emphasized that it is ready to continue providing support to the Norwegian authorities in addressing recommendations made in the final report, including in the review of draft or final amendments to election legislation.