OSCEs Parlamentariske Forsamling 2020-21
OSCE Alm.del Bilag 30
Offentligt
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Copenhagen, 7 July 2021
Memorandum on the OSCE PA Observation of the
September State Duma Elections in the Russian Federation
OSCE PA Election Observation Mission
The State Duma elections are planned to take place in the Russian Federation in September 2021. Following a
decision of the CEC and in accordance with the legal provisions applicable, the voting has been extended to
three days and will take place on 17, 18 and 19 September. In anticipation of an invitation to observe these
elections, the OSCE PA President has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission to these important
elections to work closely with the expected teams of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Council of Europe
Parliamentary Assembly.
Nomination and Appointment of Parliamentary Observers
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
Friday 20 August 2021
the following:
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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 signed Accreditation Form for each nominated observer
(will be distributed separately),
A copy of the photograph page from each nominated observer’s passport,
A photograph.
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. 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, we may not be able to accommodate those who register after the
deadline.
Accommodation
Parliamentary briefings will be held in-person in Moscow on Thursday,16 and Friday,17 September 2021. The
Temporary OSCE PA Headquarters will be located in Moscow as well. The International Secretariat of the
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will distribute the details on the recommended hotel for accommodation as
soon as possible.
Briefing on Mission for new OSCE PA observers
We kindly invite new members to attend the Briefing on the Mission aimed at providing useful information on
the general framework of PA observation missions. The briefing is open to all OSCE PA observers, but
participation is expected for new observers. Further details will be communicated to new observers.
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Tordenskjoldsgade 1, 1055 Copenhagen K., Denmark
Phone: +45 33 37 80 40 - Fax: +45 33 37 80 30 -
[email protected]
- www.oscepa.org
OSCE, Alm.del - 2020-21 - Bilag 30: Invitation til valgobservationsmission i Rusland 2021
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Preliminary Programme
Wednesday 15 September 2021
All day
Arrival of observers
Thursday, 16 September 2021
Afternoon
Friday, 17 September 2021
All Day
Saturday, 18 September 2021
All Day
Travel to regions of observation
Meetings in region of observation (TBC)
Parliamentary briefings
Parliamentary briefings
(cont.)
Possible observation at Polling Stations
Sunday, 19 September 2021
All Day
Observation at Polling Stations
Debriefings for observers in various regions
Monday, 20 September 2021
08:00 (TBC)
Afternoon
De-Briefing for PA observers in Moscow
Press-Conference in Moscow
Suggested departures of observers (no need to return to Moscow)
Members are reminded that in accordance with the OSCE PA’s Astana Declaration of 2008 and the Guidelines,
participants are expected to participate in the full briefing programme as well as the debriefing on the day
following the election.
Observation
The International Secretariat will circulate a draft deployment plan taking into consideration wishes by
observers, but also the requirements for a meaningful observation mission. Subject to adjustments required by
the health situation, Members will generally work in teams of two during the observation, with the support of
an interpreter and a driver.
National parliaments are responsible for their own Members’ expenses, including any hotel cancellations, as
well as fees for driver, interpreter and fuel. Observers can expect some additional costs related to more than
one day of voting. Further information on arrangements for observation including related to costs for any
cars/drivers and interpreters will be communicated in due time. All interpreters and drivers will be asked to
obtain a negative result to a COVID-19 test in advance of taking up their duties in support of the mission.
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OSCE, Alm.del - 2020-21 - Bilag 30: Invitation til valgobservationsmission i Rusland 2021
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Travel and Health Insurance
As a result of the COVID-19 response, a number of travel restrictions are in place in many countries, and
Members are requested to consult with the appropriate authorities regarding travel procedures and access to
the country. The International Secretariat will maintain close contact with the authorities in the Russian
Federation to ensure compliance with local health regulations.
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 Russian Federation or by the mission. All participants are expected
to obtain a PCR test for COVID-19 not earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival in the Russian Federation. If the
test indicates positive for COVID, observers are expected to not travel for the observation mission.
Members are requested to ensure that they have full health insurance coverage valid for the duration of their
stay in the Russian Federation.
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