Congress took part in a regional conference on the “follow-up to the recommendations of international Election Observation Missions in the countries of the Eastern Partnership”

Venice, 25 October 2016 - “Since 2001, the Congress has been observing some 30 elections, at local and regional level, in the countries of the Eastern Partnership notably in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine,” stated Congress Vice-President Breda Pecan (Slovenia, SOC) at a conference on the follow-up to recommendations of international election observers in Eastern Partnership countries, in Venice, on 25 October 2016. The conference was organised by the Division of Electoral Assistance and Census of the Council of Europe (DGII). Breda Pecan highlighted recurring issues included in the Congress’ Recommendations such as the need for better accuracy of voters’ lists, for depoliticisation of election administration as well as for prevention of misuse of administrative resources. She also pointed to the post-electoral dialogue introduced by the Congress in order to strengthen the implementation process after elections. “Many member States of the Council of Europe – including countries of the Eastern Partnership – have made considerable progress over the last years to ensure free and fair electoral processes. The progress achieved in electoral matters is also a consequence of regular observation of elections at all levels of government,” she stressed. Participants also discussed the co-ordination efforts between international and domestic observers as well as about different roles and mandates of international observers and civil society. In addition, there was an exchange of views about the sustainability of electoral observation with regard to the electoral cycle.