The European Parliament has passed a resolution urging the deployment of a full-scale observation mission for the upcoming general election in Poland on July 11. The resolution, although non-binding, expresses concerns over the Polish government's recent changes to the electoral code and accuses them of undermining the core values of the European Union.
The changes to the electoral code, introduced by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, aim to increase voter turnout by creating more polling stations in rural areas and providing free transport for elderly and disabled voters on election day. However, the opposition claims that these modifications, made so close to the election, are illegal and simply a ploy to secure a larger share of rural voters who are more inclined to support the PiS-led executive.
In response to these concerns, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called on the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to organize a full-scale election observation mission for the parliamentary elections in Poland, scheduled to take place between October and November.
The OSCE regularly monitors elections across Europe, assessing whether they are conducted in a fair, free, equal, and transparent manner. While the OSCE has already assessed the electoral landscape in Poland and suggested the possibility of a limited observation mission, the MEPs' resolution calls for a comprehensive and systematic observation of the election proceedings.
The preliminary report by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) states that the limited mission would only visit a small number of polling stations on election day and falls short of the lawmakers' demands.
The resolution, adopted with 472 votes in favor and 136 against, also includes a plea to the Polish authorities to repeal or suspend a new law establishing a state committee to investigate cases of "Russian influence." The committee granted prosecutor-like powers, has been criticized by opposition parties and legal experts who claim it is a political tool aimed at disqualifying candidates from public office.
The European Commission has already initiated legal action against Poland, arguing that the law infringes upon legal principles such as the right to effective judicial protection, the non-retroactivity of sanctions, and data protection requirements. The MEPs are urging the Commission to expedite the infringement procedure if the law remains in force.
The Polish Foreign Affairs Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the European Parliament's resolution.
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