Report: US Must Improve Elections Process to Align with International Democratic Standards

July 17th, 2013

Reading from an Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights report at the Carter Center Wednesday, Ambassador Janez Lenarčič of Slovenia said last November’s US elections “took place in a competitive environment and were administered professionally.” To hear an audio version of this report, click the 'Listen' icon above.

But when it comes to meeting international democratic election standards, the report finds the United States must address several shortcomings.

For example, the authors note “consideration should be given to providing full representation rights in Congress for citizens resident in the District of Columbia and United States territories.”

The report also suggests a review of voter registration processes to ensure all who are entitled to vote are able to exercise that right.

Other highlights include:

Revisiting current restrictions of voting rights for prisoners and ex-prisoners “to ensure that any limitation is proportionate to the crime committed and clearly outlined in the law.”
Ensure a well-resourced national body to develop good electoral practices
Passing legislation that guarantees international observers have access to elections in every state
Increasing the transparency of campaign financing “by applying donor disclosure rules to all persons, groups and entities engaged in electoral campaign activities.”

Speaking to that point , former President Jimmy Carter was especially critical of corporate money’s influence on elections.

“I can’t express myself too clearly about how disappointed, disturbed, and almost disgusted I am with what has happened to the American electoral system,” he said during Wednesday’s presentation.

Carter said corporate money, and the strings attached, have tainted the election process.

The organization that released the report on elections is a part of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, “the world’s largest regional security organization.” It is made up of 57 member states from Europe, Central Asia, and North America. Decisions taken by this group are not legally binding.