In his opening remarks Ambassador Šrámek pointed out that in connection with extraordinary situations such as the current Covid-19 pandemic participating States are now expressing more interest in exploring possible ways to provide alternative voting methods or arrangements. In this context he emphasized the importance of holding regular genuine elections and stressed the importance of Universal Declaration of Human Rights and many other important universal treaties and OSCE commitments, in particular 1990 Copenhagen Document. He highlighted the role of parliaments in introducing changes to the electoral legislation and the necessity of broadly inclusive and timely process based on public consultation, which is key for maintaining safeguards and building consensus among the public and political actors.

The meeting further provided an opportunity for sharing the good practices by participating States and discussing the ways how the adherence to the OSCE commitments can be ensured. 

The invited speakers included: Mr Alexander Shlyk, Head of the Election Department ODIHR; Ms Brenda Santamaría, Chief of the Electoral Observation Section, Organization of American States; Mr Andreas Baker, Head of Elections of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly; Ms Manjola Veizi, Executive Director of the Roma Women’s Rights Center from Albania. In their presentations the speakers focused on exploring the alternative voting methods, discussed new opportunities as well as risks and challenges connected with using these methods, including with regard to the effect on vulnerable groups.

Within the meeting, voluntary reports on the implementation of OSCE commitments and follow-up to recommendations were presented by Norway and Switzerland.