Observation of Early Parliamentary Elections in Serbia, 16 March 2014

Following an official invitation from the authorities of the Republic of Serbia and in accordance with its mandate the OSCE/ODIHR deployed a limited election observation mission (LEOM) to observe the 16 March 2014 early parliamentary elections.

In view of the short timeframe for the upcoming elections, the OSCE/ODIHR is not in a position to dispatch a Needs Assessment Mission to assess the pre-electoral environment and preparations as well as to advise on the modalities for and size of a possible election mission. However, based on the conclusions, findings and recommendations of past OSCE/ODIHR election-related activities in Serbia, the OSCE/ODIHR decided to deploy a Limited Election Observation Mission.

The OSCE/ODIHR LEOM and the OSCE Mission to Serbia operate separately under their specific mandates.

Long-term Observation

The LEOM, which has commenced its activities in Belgrade on 13 February, is headed by Ambassador Boris Frlec (Slovenia) and consists of 10 international experts. In addition, 12 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 19 February 2014.

The OSCE/ODIHR EOM will assess the early parliamentary elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as with domestic legislation. Observers will closely monitor candidate registration, campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant governmental bodies, election-related legislation and its implementation, the media environment, participation of national minorities, and the resolution of election-related disputes.

Election Day

While the mission would visit a limited number of polling stations on election day, systematic observation of voting, counting or tabulation of results on election day is not envisaged.

The day after the elections, ODIHR, together with its parliamentary partners, will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions at a press conference. A final report on the observation of the entire electoral process will be issued approximately eight weeks after the end of the observation mission.

Co-operation with Other Partners

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe are planning to deploy observer delegations for these elections.

Previous Elections

ODIHR has observed 12 elections in Serbia since 1997, most recently the 2012 parliamentary and early presidential elections.