In a joint debate on election observation missions, on 28 October 2026 during its 51st session in Strasbourg, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe adopted recommendations related to local elections in the Netherlands, in 10 municipalities of Serbia, in England and for the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments (United Kingdom) as well as on the elections for the President of Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
In a recommendation on early and repeat elections for the President of Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina - 23 November 2025 and 8 February 2026), presented by James Moloney (Ireland, ILDG), the Congress noted that the elections were overall competitive, and well-organised, despite the compressed timeline and challenging political environment. It highlighted some persistent challenges during the pre-election period, including unequal campaigning conditions and media coverage, misuse of administrative resources and inadequate campaign finance transparency. On election day procedures, it pointed out few but worrying irregularities. Concerns about the integrity of the process led to repeat elections in 136 polling stations, observed by a smaller Congress delegation. Among others, the recommendation calls on the authorities to pursue comprehensive and inclusive electoral and constitutional reform, strengthen the capacity of the election administration, mitigate the advantages of incumbency, clean voter registers, and address gaps in media and campaign finance oversight. It also highlights the need to increase the participation for women and youth and improve polling station accessibility. Finally, the Congress called on political actors to uphold electoral integrity and help restore citizens' trust in their democratically elected institutions.
In a recommendation on local elections in the Netherlands (18 March 2026), based on a report by Konstantinos Koukas (Greece, EPP/CCE), the Congress welcomed their effective and highly decentralised organisation, as well as efforts undertaken to make these elections inclusive and accessible to all voters. It noted a competitive pre-election period, with over 1 000 political entities offering voters a wide choice. At the same time, the Congress raised concerns with proxy voting, increasing threats and intimidation of councillors and candidates and the transparency of campaign and party finance. The Congress calls for stronger regulation of online campaigning and political finance and the introduction of the democratic elections of mayors as well as a review of the universal use of proxy voting and proactive measures to improve the participation of women in local politics.
In a recommendation on local elections in 10 municipalities of Serbia (29 March 2026), presented by Emvin Bartolo (Malta, EPP/CCE), the Congress noted that the elections took place amid serious concerns, notably growing polarisation, an uneven campaign environment and the blurring of the line between the ruling party and public authorities, including at local level. Other issues related to voter and candidate registration, reports of intimidation and limited oversight of campaign finance and media coverage. On election day, the Congress particularly deplored the presence of intimidating groups outside polling stations and numerous pseudo-observers. Despite these concerns, the Congress underlined the increased turnout, greater youth engagement and a more competitive political campaign. It welcomed the establishment of the Audit Commission for the Unified Voter Register and called to facilitate its work. The Congress calls for stronger measures to prevent and investigate election day violence and electoral violations, strengthen the independence of the election administration and address the misuse of public resources. It encourages to initiate a comprehensive electoral reform, including considering a single cycle for local elections, to strengthen local democracy in Serbia.
Finally, the Congress adopted a recommendation on the local elections in England and the elections for the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments (United Kingdom, 7 May 2026). Presented by Jani Kokko (Finland, SOC/G/PD), it followed the Congress' first observation mission to the United Kingdom. The Congress found that the elections well organised, calm and orderly and that decentralised election administration bodies operated professionally and transparently. The pre-election campaign environment was generally competitive and pluralistic, with parties and candidates campaigning freely; however, reports of abuse and threats, notably online, were recorded. The Congress welcomed efforts to promote inclusive voting, notably in Scotland and Wales. At the same time, it calls on the authorities to continue improving voter registration and identification procedures, increase the transparency in campaign finance, simplify election dispute resolution and recognise the status of election observers. It also stresses the need for stronger protection against abuse, especially for women and minority candidates. It recommended measures to encourage positive campaigning and broader voter engagement, and to improve gender balance through incentives and quotas.
