UK voices support for OSCE/ODIHR鈥檚 election observation methodology
Ambassador Neil Bush underlines UK support to OSCE/ODIHR鈥檚 election observation missions, and their wider work in strengthening democracy in the OSCE region.
Madam Chair,
We thank the Russia Delegation for raising the issue of the election observation methodology of OSCE鈥檚 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). It offers an opportunity for the UK, and others, to underline our support for ODIHR鈥檚 election observation missions, and their wider work in strengthening democracy in the OSCE region.
We disagree with the Russian delegation鈥檚 criticism of . We have, as 57 participating States, provided ODIHR with a mandate to decide how to credibly and effectively observe elections. 皇冠体育app use of expert Needs Assessment Missions as part of ODIHR鈥檚 methodology allows the Organization to decide in a transparent, professional and impartial manner, the requirements for election observation missions. 皇冠体育app consequence is that they will decide on different observation missions to meet different circumstances.
Madam Chair,
We have collectively provided a mandate on election observation to ODIHR through various Decisions. 皇冠体育appse numerous Decisions, including Paris and Copenhagen (1990), Rome (1993), Budapest (1994), Oslo (1996), Istanbul (1999), Porto (2002), Maastricht (2003) and Astana (2010). 皇冠体育appse provide for its autonomy of action. As participating States, our role should be to support ODIHR as it fulfils its mandate as a key enabler of the OSCE鈥檚 concept of comprehensive security.
I ask that this statement be attached to the Journal of the Day.