Interfax's Interview

Mr. Strohal, how many ODIHR observers are coming, when will they arrive, how long will they stay and in which regions will they work?
Russia has announced it would invite ODIHR observers to its parliamentary elections but would define the features of their monitoring itself. What do you think of that?

'I wish I could answer your question. However, it is not possible until we know when we receive an invitation. When an OSCE state invites ODIHR to observe elections, we expect cooperation in order to follow our standard procedures. The ODIHR has been created by the OSCE member States precisely to develop professional modalities for election observation; on this basis, far more than 100 missions have been conducted so far in all parts of the OSCE region. For a collective commitment, as in the case of the OSCE framework, conditions should not be set individually. This would be unprecedented.

Russia has submitted a draft document to OSCE implying a more precise definition of the ODIHR status in performing its observer mission at national elections. How could you comment on that?

'This proposal by seven states is characterized by them as an attempt to engage the other 49 participating States in a discussion about election observation. While I welcome the interest, it should remain focused on holding democratic elections, not on observation. Election observation sometimes has to tell uncomfortable truths, it is holding up a mirror. The solution is not to break the mirror, but to engage in a discussion how necessary improvements can be realized.'

The Russian side has said there is a certain slant in the operations of the office and OSCE in general towards the former Soviet Union - hundreds of international observers follow elections in countries to the east of Vienna while only dozens observe elections in Western states. What is the reason for that?

'Different countries merit different types of missions. We assess the needs of every single election before deciding on our involvement. Criteria include not only the size of the country, but also the legal framework and the electoral system, and any recent changes introduced to it, the environment for an equitable campaign, especially with regard to free media, and, overall, the level of public trust in the process. This methodology has allowed us over the last decade a meaningful and tailor-made involvement in the vast majority of OSCE States.'

Russia is concerned about certain aspects of the ODIHR personnel policy indicating that the heads of observer missions are appointed behind closed doors. In this context could you explain how the persons heading observer missions are chosen?

'The heads are chosen based on their expertise, their seniority and availability. All our recruitment is open, all positions, including the one of head of mission, are advertised on our website. All aspects of our methodology are published.

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