ODIHR to deploy election assessment mission to Cyprus

Ahead of the parliamentary elections in Cyprus scheduled for 22 May 2011, ODIHR conducted a needs assessment mission to the country on 2-4 March to assess the pre-election environment and preparations for the elections.

The members of the mission met with officials from state institutions, the election administration, and the judiciary, as well as with representatives of political parties, the media, and civil society.

While no specific concerns were raised about the impartiality of the election administration or about the electoral process itself, many interlocutors suggested that an independent assessment of the electoral process by ODIHR would be welcome and could lead to further improvements in the electoral process.

As a result, the mission recommended the deployment of an election assessment mission to look into certain issues, including the implementation of the newly adopted law on political parties, party and campaign financing, the media, as well as the participation of women in political life.