OSCE/ODIHR discusses final report on parliamentary elections with Icelandic authorities

Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with a delegation from the Icelandic Ministry of the Interior in Warsaw on 14 May 2014 to discuss ODIHR Election Assessment Mission’s final report for the 2013 parliamentary elections in Iceland.

During the meeting, participants discussed ODIHR’s recommendations on election observers’ access to election processes, campaign finances, the electoral dispute resolution system and further review of the legislation, particularly to address current imbalances in the distribution of parliamentary seats.

“The 2013 parliamentary elections in Iceland were conducted in a pluralistic and transparent manner, but certain aspects of the electoral legal framework could benefit from further review,” said Ambassador Jorge Fuentes, Head of the ODIHR Election Assessment Mission in the country. “Today’s visit by the Icelandic delegation demonstrates the country’s commitment to further improve their electoral processes, in line with their OSCE commitments.”

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

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