WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following briefing:
INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVATION IN THE US AND BEYOND
Why It Matters
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
10:00 a.m.
Rayburn House Office Building
Room 2200
Live Webcast: www.facebook.com/HelsinkiCommission
In 1990, the 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) pledged to hold free and fair elections. Election observation is one of the most transparent and methodical ways to encourage countries to uphold their commitment to democratic standards, and is a core element of the OSCE’s efforts to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Since the 1990s, the OSCE has been invited to observe approximately 250 elections in countries throughout the OSCE region, including the United States and Russia.
In addition to the OSCE, the United Nations, Organization for American States, European Union, and other multilateral organizations routinely participate in international election observation. Civil society actors—including U.S.-based organizations like the National Democratic and International Republican Institute, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, and the Carter Center—also observe elections around the world with the common goal of upholding democratic standards.
The briefing will focus on the benefits and challenges of international election observation, best practices, and emerging issues like voting technology and security.
Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20) will offer opening remarks.
The following panelists are scheduled to participate:
- Gerardo de Icaza, Director, Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation, Organization of American States
- Laura Jewett, Senior Associate and Regional Director for Eurasia Programs, National Democratic Institute
- Richard Lappin, Deputy Head, Elections Department, OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
- Tana de Zulueta, Head of ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission to 2018 U.S. Mid-Term Elections
Additional panelists may be added.
