Enhancing electoral reform in the Western Balkans

The ODIHR's Enhancing Electoral Reform in the Western Balkans project aims to strengthen electoral integrity in the region by supporting the follow-up to electoral recommendations.

It focuses on six areas: the legal framework, election administration, voter registration, election campaigns and campaign finance, media and the inclusion of underrepresented groups. Activities combine legal expertise, regional exchange, and structured follow-up to support inclusive, transparent, and sustainable reforms.

ODIHR works with election management bodies, public institutions, civil society organizations, electoral assistance providers and OSCE field operations.

All OSCE participating States have committed to following up on ODIHR’s electoral assessments and recommendations, and the European Union has highlighted the value of connecting this follow-up to wider democratic reforms in the Western Balkans.

The total budget for the 2025-2028 part of the project amounts to EUR 2,708,625. The project is funded by the European Union, with additional contributions from Norway and Greece.

Launched in November 2025, Enhancing Electoral Reform in the Western Balkans is a third initiative supporting follow-up to electoral recommendations in the region. It builds on ODIHR's two earlier projects, Support to Elections in the Western Balkans and Support to Electoral Reforms in the Western Balkans, carried out from 2017 to 2025.

ODIHR has long supported participating States in following up on electoral recommendations. Our 2016 handbook continues to guide this work.