We’re Being Seen!

As previously reported in this blog, the OSCE dispatched a mission to observe the U.S. elections.  The mission’s preliminary report is available here.  Those who have looked at past OSCE reports will know that they are typically dispassionate recitations of regular election processes, with a comments about details that might be improved. In contrast, this report breaks with diplomatic niceties to observe that, among other challenges, “Baseless allegations of systematic deficiencies, notably by the incumbent president, including on election night, harm public trust in democratic institutions.”  In short, our allies are astounded and saddened by many of the events of the past few days, as are so many of us. A video of the press conference at the end of the OSCE mission can be viewed here.

Importantly, the OSCE mission continues its observation work as the state-level ballot counting continues.  Members of the mission will remain in the U.S. for two weeks or more, and will continue to follow the election process in the months that follow.  A final report and recommendations will be issued in early 2021.