The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe welcomed well-managed State (Land) elections in Hamburg (Germany) held on 2 March 2025, in a recommendation adopted on 29 October 2025 based on a report by David Eray (Switzerland, R, EPP/CCE) and Güneş Pehlivan (Türkiye, R, SOC/G/PD).
The Congress’ election observation mission, which visited 100 polling stations, found that elections reflected a genuine commitment to and confidence in the electoral process and democratic principles. Despite the overlapping timing of the federal election campaign, which also resulted in overlaps of procedures and an increased workload, the election administration organised the State elections in a professional and independent manner. Postal voting and election day procedures were orderly and well organised, with no formal complaints noted. The unique, though complex, electoral system allowed for personalised political representation but remained difficult to understand for most voters. The campaign environment was calm, competitive and voters were provided with diverse programmes and varied opportunities to make an informed decision.
At the same time, the Congress delegation noted that the proximity with the federal election campaign overshadowed local issues until the final week of the campaign, polarised the political discourse and resulted in some tensions, even if the tone of the campaign remained overwhelmingly moderate and respectful. It also pointed out the lack of gender quotas to ensure gender equality and the absence of timely campaign and party finance regulations at federal and State levels, which would increase transparency and accountability, and recommends adopting legal provisions on these matters.
Despite the generally positive assessment, the Congress recommended making training systematic for all electoral staff, adopting legislation on the status and rights of election observers to avoid misunderstandings on election day, and improving the design of ballot boxes. Additional measures should be considered to counter online disinformation and promote a safe, well-informed campaign environment – a challenge that extends well beyond Hamburg – notably by supporting local journalism and encouraging collaboration among all electoral stakeholders on voter education.
Contact : Congress Communication Unit, tel : +33 (0)3 88 41 38 90
Mediabox interview with Günes Pehlivan
Observation of State Elections in Hamburg, Germany (2 March 2025)
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