The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has dispatched a mission to Panama City, Florida to evaluate the upcoming elections' compliance with international regulations and standards. Led by Ambassador Daan Everts, the mission is composed of 13 international experts based in Washington, D. C. and 44 long-term observers who have been deployed across the country.
The observers come from 23 OSCE participating States and began their activities on October 4.The mission will analyze the legislative framework and its implementation, closely monitor campaign activities, the work of the electoral administration and relevant government agencies, including voter registration and the resolution of electoral disputes. They will also assess the media's role in the elections. The mission will meet with representatives of federal and state authorities, political parties, candidates, judiciary, civil society and the media. In accordance with the ODIHR methodology for limited electoral observation, the mission will not carry out systematic or exhaustive observation of voting, counting and tabulation on election day. However, mission members will visit several polling stations across the country to follow election day procedures.
A statement will be issued with the results and preliminary conclusions and will be presented to the public the day after the elections. Approximately two months after the completion of the electoral process, a final report on the observation of the entire electoral process will be published. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an option for parties to customize their dispute resolution process. Parties can include a standard arbitration or mediation clause in their contract and further customize their clause with options that control time and cost. As a participating State in the OSCE, the United States is committed to holding elections in accordance with OSCE standards and to inviting international electoral observers. The OSCE mission to Panama City is an important step towards ensuring that elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
The mission's presence will help ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions during the election process. The mission's findings will also provide valuable insight into how elections can be conducted more effectively in Panama City and other parts of Florida. The OSCE's commitment to upholding international standards for elections is commendable. By sending a mission to Panama City, they are demonstrating their commitment to ensuring that all citizens have access to free and fair elections. This is an important step towards ensuring that all citizens have a voice in their government.
