Could Moscow pull back from OSCE’s ODIHR after observer dispute?

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ella Pamfilova, Chair of the Central Election Commission (CEC), who briefed him on the outcomes of the recent Single Voting Day and voiced strong criticism of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

“Why do we need them? In fact, why do we pay contributions? They do not protect our rights — absolutely not. They do not protect the rights of journalists, nor rights in other areas, including electoral rights,” Pamfilova stated during the meeting.

The CEC head highlighted the situation in Moldova, where local authorities denied accreditation to Russian observers for the upcoming parliamentary elections. “They did not allow a single one: they completely refused all our observers from Russia. And the OSCE ODIHR did nothing. This is not the first time. Why do we need such an organisation?” she asked.

On September 23, members of the Russian Public Chamber were informed that they had been refused accreditation as international observers for Moldova’s elections, citing the absence of an official invitation from the Moldovan CEC. Earlier, Moldovan President Maia Sandu had accused Russia of electoral interference and voter bribery. Moldova’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 28.

Pamfilova argued that Russia’s participation in international observation would lend legitimacy to ODIHR reports, which she described as “absolutely closed” and “undemocratic.” She added, “It turns out that their conclusions, which are imposed from above by their, excuse me, masters — based on how obedient or disobedient a country is to them — completely disagree, for example, with the opinion of observers, including ours… I believe that this organisation has completely discredited itself.”

The ODIHR is a key OSCE institution tasked with promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as strengthening and protecting democratic institutions. Its most prominent role is monitoring elections in OSCE participating States.

By Tamilla Hasanova