OSCE/OSCE PA Observation Mission Statement
LONDON, 7 Ma y
2010 - The 6 Ma y 2010 general
elections in the United Kingdom demonstrated that democracy is a vibrant force
in the world’s oldest parliamentary system. In particular, direct debates
between the leaders of the three major parties sparked interest in the
democratic process and in public policy in the United Kingdom.
“This is one of the most exciting and competitive
elections I have ever seen, although it shows that reform may be needed to the
complex system,” said OSCE PA President Joao Soares (MP from Portugal), leader of the OSCE
delegation. “We welcome the recognition of need for reform of procedures
expressed by the major political parties.”
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for
Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA) deployed a limited election
observation delegation to the United Kingdom following an invitation from the
UK authorities. Recent changes specifically enabling observation of elections,
including from other countries, is a welcome addition to transparency and
brings the UK’s legislation in this regard in line with OSCE commitments. This
provided international observers with access to polling stations and the
counting of ballots.
The OSCE PA delegation, which was headed by OSCE PA
President Joao Soares ,
MP from Portugal, included Members of Parliament from Azerbaijan, Georgia,
Italy, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Russia and Tajikistan. President Soares was also
appointed to lead the OSCE observation mission by the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Kanat
Saudabayev.
Legislation governing elections in the United Kingdom
has slowly developed over several centuries, and has long proven to be a solid
foundation for a parliamentary democracy. It is clearly understood by
practitioners and stakeholders in the election process, and is underpinned by
widespread trust in the electoral system. The delegation expressed concern
about reports that voters who were lining up to vote at the time of closing
were not allowed to vote.
“I hope and expect that the authorities will
reconsider guidelines instructing polling station officials not to issue
ballots to citizens waiting to vote at 10:00 pm. This effectively prevented
many people from voting,” said Joao Soares.
The election process was administered in a
professional manner, in keeping with the long-standing traditions of the country. Some interlocutors
expressed concern about the possible vulnerability to fraud of postal voting,
despite safeguards introduced in 2006. A number of allegations about fraudulent
use of postal voting are reportedly being investigated.
Unlike most other electoral systems in the
OSCE, the pure first-past-the-post system in the United Kingdom allows for a
distribution of seats in parliament which does not reflect the preference of
the general electorate in the United Kingdom.
The parties’ campaigns were widely covered
in the media. Free advertising on television was provided to major contestants,
and the absence of paid political advertising provided for a level playing
field. The pluralistic press reflected the wide spectrum of views and at times
specifically supported different candidates and parties.
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