Local elections are crucial pathways through which citizens can address matters closest to them, and elected representatives are often the closest link between citizens and the authorities. Ensuring freedom of local elections and security of elected officials is an essential component of the overall European democratic architecture. These issues have been discussed the 50th plenary session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities today. The election-related debates have contributed to the New Democratic Pact for Europe, a pioneering initiative of the Council of Europe to revitalise democracy.
Free elections at local and regional levels: a fundamental right
Local and regional elections in Europe are increasingly exposed to a complex set of domestic and international challenges, including democratic backsliding. It includes restrictions on the right to vote and stand as a candidate, a deteriorating campaign environment, external interference and breaches of electoral integrity, as well as limitations of the free exercise of mandate.
Despite various international frameworks affirming democratic importance of the right to free elections at local and regional levels, there are significant gaps in the protection of this right across member states. Besides, the Protocol No. 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights does not expressly cover local and many regional elections, leaving these elections without meaningful judicial protection at the European level.
To address these deficiencies, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities calls for steps towards extending European guarantees to the right to free elections at local and regional levels, and for reinforced measures and safeguards to ensure electoral integrity. Political pluralism, systematic election observation, and the inclusion of all groups are of particular importance, the Congress stresses.
One of the key Congress’ recommendations - based on the report by Stewart Dickson, United Kingdom (R, ILDG) - towards free elections is to refrain from any practice likely to compromise the free mandate of elected representatives or to undermine the right to free elections, including but not limited to prolonged pre-trial detention or dismissals.
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50th Session
Agenda – Web file – Photos
