Panel Recap: Electoral Reform – Turning Recommendations into Action

On October 1, EPDE hosted a side event at the Warsaw 2024 Human Dimension Conference on improving the framework of the implementation of electoral reform recommendations in the OSCE region. The conversation centered on the pivotal role that election observation missions play in strengthening electoral integrity and how we can ensure recommendations are effectively followed up.

Here are some key takeaways:

Election Monitoring as a Pillar of Democracy
The panel highlighted that election monitoring is the embodiment of democratic values. As one speaker noted, states must not be complacent: election monitoring must not be seen as external critique but as a means of improving fairness and inclusivity. International monitoring methodology standards for both international and domestic observers offer invaluable guidance in this respect, covering all aspects of the electoral process.

💬 Insights from Our Panel of Experts

• Council of Europe’s Approach: One panelist highlighted the CoE’s pioneering standards for electoral integrity, through instruments like the Venice Commission guidelines. In countries like Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, the CoE has demonstrated how cooperation with civil society can enhance reform processes. These lessons were crucial: cooperative follow-up and capacity building—particularly with electoral commission members—are key to advancing reforms.
• Norway’s Reform Journey: We heard about Norway’s experience in reforming its election laws—an inclusive 10-year process that involved consultation across all parliamentary parties. The emphasis on trust in every stage of the process stood out. Recommendations from ODIHR were essential to Norway’s changes, leading to better transparency in complaint mechanisms and counting procedures.
• Poland’s Reform Hopes: With recent elections in Poland, there was hope this would be the moment for reform. A well-structured set of recommendations has been prepared, but it faces obstacles like the lack of political will. Our discussion touched on how international assertion and conditionality can be vital tools in pushing for reforms.
• Challenges of Follow-Up: Recommendations are not about naming and shaming but about supporting progress. However, insufficient political will and the closing of doors in many states are real challenges. It is crucial OSCE participating states adhere to the 1999 Istanbul document and show general commitment to address recommendations.  This led to a key question: why is political will often absent? International diplomacy and peer pressure might be part of a solution, as well as ensuring that states see engagement as a two-way street.

Moving Forward: Key Takeaways for Future Reform Efforts:
Recommendations need consistent follow-up. P2P exchanges can be incredibly effective if they focus on positive examples rather than blame. This is where the CoE’s integration of the parliamentary component has been particularly beneficial.

• Persistence and Consistency: Reforms can take years to be implemented. Persistence, diplomatic engagement, and consistent messaging can build the political will needed.
• Inclusive Processes Build Trust: The Norwegian example showed how involving all political parties and being transparent about reforms can result in broad support and lasting trust.
• Assertive Role of the EU: Pressure and consistency from European institutions–especially from the Commission–could encourage states to implement recommendations more actively.
• The Role of Media: Media can amplify the importance of reforms, but broad buy-in takes time and requires consistent, clear communication.

The road from recommendation to implementation is long, but as yesterday’s panel concluded: with cooperation, political commitment, and a focus on supporting electoral reform, real progress is achievable.

Thanks for the incredibly insightful contributions from our speakers James Kilcourse, Liri Kopaci-Di Michele, Meaghan Fitzgerald, Anne Sofie Molandsveen, Zofia Lutkiewicz, as well as Permanent Mission of Ireland to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.