OSCE/ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations in Serbia

Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with electoral stakeholders in Belgrade on 1 and 2 November 2017 to present the final report of ODIHR’s election assessment mission for the presidential election in Serbia on 2 April 2017.

The report’s findings and recommendations were presented to officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic Electoral Commission, the Administrative Court, the Regulatory Authority of Electronic Media, the Anti-corruption Agency, the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, and the Committee on Constitutional and Legislative Issues.

Discussions centred on recommendations concerning the long-standing need for a comprehensive review to address gaps in the electoral framework and to empower the relevant institutions with effective control and oversight throughout the electoral process. Other recommendations that were discussed were those on the need to increase the capacity of the election administration staff and on reviewing existing mechanisms to ensure the effective legal redress in the event of electoral violations.

"We appreciate the willingness of the authorities to discuss ODIHR's recommendations and look forward to formal initiatives that will enhance the framework and conduct of elections in Serbia," said Alexander Shlyk, Head of the ODIHR Elections Department. “Discussions with the authorities indicate a range of entry points for electoral follow-up, and ODIHR is ready to support these efforts.”

The expert team also discussed recommendations related to refining the voter registration process and to enhancing the media’s coverage of elections.

Possible next steps for co-operation between the authorities and ODIHR will be explored, including within the context of the ODIHR project to support the follow-up of electoral recommendations in the Western Balkans.

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