Final report on Serbia’s presidential election by OSCE/ODIHR reiterates need for comprehensive review of legislation, recommends measures to improve conduct of elections

An inclusive and comprehensive revision of Serbia’s legal framework for elections is among the measures recommended by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in its final report on the country’s 2 April 2017 presidential election.

To enhance the conduct of elections, the report, published on 8 June 2017, recommends that the legal framework regulate all essential aspects of elections, address existing gaps and loopholes and empower institutions to implement control and oversight over the electoral process.

The report notes that, while fundamental freedoms were respected and candidates were able to campaign freely, biased media coverage, an undue advantage of incumbency and a blurred distinction between campaign and official activities undermined the level playing field for contestants. To this end, the report recommends specific improvements in political party and campaign finance provisions to ensure tighter regulation and greater transparency. Noting the predominant position enjoyed by the candidate from the governing coalition, the report recommends developing effective safeguards to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates. 

It also encourages efforts to address persistent issues with the accuracy of voter lists, while authorities are asked to undertake further measures to prevent pressure being exerted on voters, including employees of state or state-affiliated institutions.

Noting the absence of an effective mechanism for monitoring media conduct during the campaign, the report recommends the explicit extension of the oversight authority of the media regulatory body to all aspects of elections. Meanwhile, journalists should operate free from any intimidation or pressure and authorities should refrain from any interference in the activities of media and journalists. In addition, comprehensive steps should be taken to strengthen the financial and editorial independence of public broadcasters, with adequate funding mechanisms put in place to reduce their dependency on the state budget.

The report highlights, as a positive example, the practice of establishing polling boards with equitable representation of national minorities and recommends replicating this good practice in other regions with significant minority populations.

Undertaking additional measures to ensure the secrecy of the vote, and a review of the election appeals system to guarantee an effective and timely remedy for all complaints are among the report’s other recommendations.