Estonian, Lithuanian Observers Hail Polls as Democratic

Estonian, Lithuanian Observers Hail Polls as Democratic

A group of Estonian and Lithuania observers said the January 5 election was democratic, free and fair.

“After having observed the election in several regions, in polling stations and following the overall path of the election, we consider it to have been carried out in a free and fair manner,” a group of Estonian parliamentarians said in a statement on January 6. “We call on everybody to recognize the results of the democratic process of yesterday’s election.”

“In general the election was democratic and fair and was held in line with international standards,” a group of 93 Lithuanian observers said in a statement. “Minor violations were observed, however, they will not have a bearing on the overall election results.”

The largest international election observation mission, involving OSCE/ODIHR, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Council of Europe and European Parliament, will announce its preliminary findings at 3pm on January 6.