To:
CC:
Heads of OSCE PA Delegations
Secretaries of OSCE PA Delegations
28 August 2020
Dear Heads of Delegations,
General Elections are planned to take place in the United States of America on 3 November
2020. Following an invitation to observe this election, and after appropriate communication to
the Bureau, the President has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission to this
important election to work closely with an expected team from the OSCE/ODIHR.
I note that the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and responses to it, including to
Members’ abilities to travel, could present
some challenges to the deployment of the mission.
The International Secretariat is in close contact with authorities of the United States Government
regarding the application of existing travel restrictions for those travelling specifically for the
observation mission, and further information will be provided as it is available.
In accordance with the attached OSCE PA Election Observation Guidelines, national
Delegations wishing to nominate their members to participate in this mission are kindly asked to
complete and return to the International Secretariat at ([email protected]) as soon as possible,
but no later than
Monday, 21 September 2020
the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The Delegation Nomination Form,
An Individual Observer Nomination Form for each nominated observer,
A signed Statement of Nominated Election Observer for each nominated observer,
A signed Code of Conduct for each nominated observer,
A copy of the photograph page from each nominated observer’s passport.
A digital photograph from each observer.
Please note that in accordance with the Guidelines nominated observers are not part of an
observation mission before they have been appointed by the OSCE PA President. In appointing
Members to this Election Observation Mission, the President can take appropriate steps to
balance the composition and to preserve a political and geographical balance of Members within
the mission. The International Secretariat will communicate the list of observers to delegations
that have forwarded nominations following appointment by the OSCE PA President. Due to
registration procedures and travel restrictions, we may not be able to accommodate those who
register after the deadline.
The International Secretariat will maintain close contact with the United States authorities to
ensure compliance with local health regulations and guidelines, and observers can expect some
significant adjustments to mission procedures. The mission will work to put in place disease
mitigation measures including social distancing where possible, however participants should
understand that observation is a physical practice requiring interaction with a wide range of
people. Observers are expected to comply with all national laws and regulations of the host
country, including health regulations; please note that there may be additional costs related to
compliance with health measures required by the authorities of the USA or by the mission.
Participants will be expected to demonstrate a negative result to a COVID-19 test within 72
hours of their departure for the United States. Members are requested to ensure that they have
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