Polish elections must be monitored by the OSCE to ensure democratic standards

Working with cross-party mainstream political groups from the European Parliament, the Renew Europe Group President Stéphane Séjourné has co-signed a letter to Matteo Mecacci, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, highlighting concerns about the upcoming national elections in Poland.

The letter invites the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to carry out a full-scale election observation mission for this year’s parliamentary election. This call follows the continued deterioration of the rule of law and democracy under Poland’s PiS Government.

The final report of ODIHR’s Limited Election Observation Mission of Poland’s latest parliamentary election in October 2019 raised concerns about “the distinct editorial bias of the media” and “intolerant rhetoric in the campaign” which “adversely impacted the opportunity of voters to make an informed choice”.

President of Renew Europe, Stéphane Séjourné, said:

"Democracy and the rule of law are under attack in Poland from the country’s own government and the situation is deteriorating. This year’s elections must be free and fair. We believe the OSCE has an important role to play to monitor the electoral process through a full-scale mission. Polish citizens are EU citizens and they deserve free and democratic elections!"