Lithuania Demands OSCE Exclude Russian and Belarusian Observers from Presidential Election Monitoring

Lithuanian authorities have insisted that the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) exclude observers from Russia and Belarus in the country's upcoming presidential election monitoring mission, according to TASS. The ODIHR has stated that these demands go against the commitments made by OSCE member states.

As a result of Lithuania's conditions, which the ODIHR deems contrary to OSCE commitments, the organization will not be monitoring the Lithuanian presidential election scheduled for May 12, 2024. The ODIHR remains in close contact with Lithuanian authorities and looks forward to observing elections in the country again in the future.

Why this matters: Lithuania's demand for the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian observers raises concerns about the integrity and impartiality of international election monitoring. This development highlights the ongoing tensions between Lithuania and its neighbors, Russia and Belarus, and the challenges faced by international organizations in navigating these complex political dynamics.

The ODIHR's pre-election assessment report found full confidence in Lithuania's electoral process but also identified concerns about the potential for disinformation and intolerant rhetoric on social networks during the campaign. The report noted issues related to the right to stand in elections, the participation of underrepresented groups, and the regulation of campaign finance. Based on this assessment, the ODIHR recommended sending an Election Assessment Mission to observe the presidential election.

The leading candidates in the Lithuanian presidential race are the incumbent president Gitanas Nauseda and Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. The first round of the election is set to take place on May 12, 2024.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights maintains that the conditions set by Lithuanian authorities for the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian observers are inconsistent with the commitments agreed upon by all OSCE member states. The organization emphasizes the importance of impartial and independent election monitoring to ensure the integrity of democratic processes.

Key Takeaways

• Lithuania demands the exclusion of Russian, and Belarusian observers for the 2024 election.
• OSCE deems Lithuania's conditions contrary to OSCE commitments, and won't monitor election.
• ODIHR's pre-election report found concerns about disinformation, and campaign finance issues.
• Leading candidates are incumbent president Nauseda and PM Simonyte.
• OSCE says Lithuania's conditions violate OSCE agreements on impartial monitoring.