OSCE/ODIHR publishes database of election recommendations for Western Balkans

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published an online database of election-related recommendations for the Western Balkans.

The database, which went online on 21 December 2018, provides a centralized and searchable collection of electoral recommendations to support institutions, stakeholders and civil society across the Western Balkans in their follow-up efforts.

“From its very beginning, ODIHR’s mandate has included not only the observation of elections, but also work with authorities, political parties and civil society to bring elections in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations,” said Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, ODIHR Director. “This database builds upon our Office’s support in following up on election-related recommendations, and will also serve as a useful co-ordination instrument for stakeholders working on electoral reform.”

The database contains the texts of recommendations from previous observation reports and takes into account ongoing activities towards implementing the recommendations. The evaluation of such efforts will be conducted by subsequent election observation missions.

All OSCE participating Sates have committed to promptly following up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.

The database was created as part of the project Support to Elections in the Western Balkans, funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency. The project provides assistance to five OSCE participating States: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The project is also providing assistance in Kosovo.