Towards Trusted and Inclusive Electoral Processes: The Role of Observers

PACE - Congress - Venice Commission joint debate on election observation in member states

Room CC12, OECD Conference Centre, 2 rue André Pascal, Paris, France

28 (afternoon) - 29 (full day) April 2026

Impartial election observation is a cornerstone of safeguarding electoral integrity and strengthening public trust in democratic institutions. As electoral environments grow increasingly complex, election observation becomes an essential component in responding to democratic backsliding. In this changing context, it is fundamental to reinforce the legitimacy of democratic processes by guaranteeing that election observation is not only allowed in every country but also effectively facilitated. Credible assessments, in line with international standards, both by domestic and international observers, should become standard practice across Council of Europe member states.

The issues

In many Council of Europe member states, international and domestic election observation faces a range of persistent and emerging challenges, both legal and practical. Where legal frameworks are inadequate or lacking, election observers are left without sufficient guarantees regarding their status, rights and protection, hindering their ability to fulfil their role effectively.

Recent election observation reports have noted other obstacles such as limited access to remote or politically sensitive areas, restrictions on accreditations and rights, new voting procedures (notably out-of-country voting) and the use of digital tools, which have introduced significant operational and logistical challenges for observers and their methodology.

At the same time, the shrinking of civic space, limitations on fundamental freedoms, increased polarisation, foreign interference and disinformation as well as the conduct of elections in conflict and post-conflict situations, further complicate the operational environment and threaten the safety and independence of observers.

Addressing these issues requires clearer legal guarantees, the removal of obstacles, improved coordination among institutions and observer organisations and measures that reinforce trust, transparency, and the credibility of observation missions. In addition, a more ambitious political agenda, which could lead to a coherent and fully shared international legal framework, could also be explored.

Key objectives of the event

Assess persistent and emerging challenges faced by observers in member states at all levels.
Review existing Council of Europe standards, opinions, and recommendations relating to election observation and observers’ rights.
Explore the effectiveness and limits of current soft-law instruments in ensuring consistent protection of observer rights.
Discuss possible avenues for follow-up, including enhanced cooperation, guidance, or normative development at Council of Europe level.
Contribute to an informed dialogue on the potential added value, scope, and feasibility of a binding Council of Europe instrument on electoral matters.

Papier d'angle: "Observing elections: better tackling fraud, pressure and threats"

Papier d'angle: "Election observation: a reflection and safeguard of democracy in Europe"

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Why a New Democratic Pact for Europe?

Democratic backsliding, disinformation, impunity, and authoritarianism are undermining democracy in Europe. People are increasingly afraid and frustrated. It comes at a time when democratic security – the resilience of our democratic institutions, freedoms, and values – is our first line of defence against the threats we face. A collective response is needed. There is no quick fix and no single solution. With the New Democratic Pact, the Council of Europe unites with its partners to boost solutions that work and create new responses. To identify them, consultations are needed. The Pact will serve as a collective and inclusive process – not to reinvent democracy, but to reinforce its foundations, amplify its benefits, and innovate its form to make it tangible for everyone, especially younger generations. The directions set during the consultation phase running through 2026 will shape the work that follows.