Doc. 8161
6 July 1998

Observation of elections

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Klaus Bühler, Mr Robert Antretter and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1. Greater involvement by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in the observation of elections, particularly in the field of preparations for elections and the counting of votes, would make a significant contribution to strengthening the Council’s role.

2. Of all the European organisations, the Council of Europe has particular experience in monitoring elections. However, the Council’s observers are present only on the day of the voting itself and not during the electoral campaign in the countries concerned.

3. We welcome the work carried out by the OSCE’s executive body, the ODIHR (Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights). Nevertheless, the presence of at least two international organisations, and in particular of their parliamentary assemblies, during the electoral campaign would help give a fuller and obviously more balanced picture of the elections.

4. The results of recent elections have not always been unchallenged. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has often not been present during the preparation of the elections or while they were in progress.

5. Close observation of the preparatory stages of elections (electoral campaigns, the media, election committee, registration of voters on the electoral lists) is particularly important, especially in small countries.

6. In addition, the sending of Parliamentary Assembly observers to monitor the preparations of elections would represent a significant political step for the Council of Europe. It would be a confidence-building measure for future parliaments and a sign of our commitment and determination with regard to strengthening democratic structures in the new democracies.

7. Consequently, it is proposed that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe:

- send observers to the new democracies during the electoral campaign,

- devise a new procedure for observing elections,

- act as an equal partner and independent body alongside the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE.

Signed : ¹

Bühler, Germany, EPP/CD

Antretter, Germany, SOC

Clerfayt, Belgium, LDR

Cox, United Kingdom, SOC

Eversdijk, Netherlands, EPP/CD

Fehr, Switzerland, LDR

Frey, Switzerland, LDR

Haack, Germany, SOC

Kollwelter, Luxembourg, SOC

Lucyga, Germany, SOC

Marten, Germany, EPP/CD

Maximus, Belgium, SOC

Mühlemann, Switzerland, LDR

Pickles, United Kingdom, EDG

Regenwetter, Luxembourg, SOC

Terborg, Germany, SOC

van der Linden, Netherlands, EPP/CD

Wilshire, United Kingdom, EDG

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group