ELECTIONS INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION 12 December 1994 General Comments Over 600 observers from CSCE states travelled throughout the Russian Federation to monitor the country's first democratic parliamentary election and the referendum on Russia's new constitution. At the request of the Russian Federation, the CSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights co-ordinated the transmission of invitations to all CSCE states, as well as to international organisations and non-governmental organisations. The ODIHR established support offices in Moscow (fifteen days before the election) and Saint Petersburg (six days before the election). The ODIHR's main goal was to ensure that the observers received the information, access, and freedom of movement guaranteed under CSCE standards; it also gave the observers logistical and other assistance, including documentation and background reports, to help them accomplish their difficult tasks. In Moscow, the ODIHR worked closely with the co-ordinating office established by the European Union, as well as with the delegations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the CSCE and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. It co-ordinated its activities with the Embassy of Sweden, which acted as representative of the CSCE Chairman-in-Office. ODIHR staff also observed the voting and the counting of ballots at several polling sites. International observers reported that technical and administrative problems were widespread during the elections. These problems were largely the result of the fact that this election was the most complex in Russian history (with each voter filling out four or five ballot papers) and due to the relatively short period of time election officials had to prepare for the vote. Many voters told observers that they wanted more information about the array of political choices available. Observers emphasised that administrative flaws that may have occurred during the election did not appear to be the result of malfeasance. Taking into consideration the historical background of Russia, they noted that these elections did, in fact, provide the people with the opportunity to voice their views on the constitution and to choose who should represent them in the upper and lower houses of parliament (Federation Council and State Duma). Specific Comments and Recommendations Accreditation and Access of Observers In the week before the election, national electoral officials provided conflicting information about accreditation procedures for observers. Limitations were placed on the issuance of accreditation badges to members of the diplomatic corps and support staff of observers (including escorts and interpreters). Following expressions of concern by the ODIHR and other international bodies represented in Moscow, the Central Election Commission made accreditation badges available to all who needed to ensure access to polling sites. During the course of election day and during the vote count, observers kept the ODIHR offices informed of their activities and impressions. In general, they reported that Russian election officials at all levels allowed them full access to all stages of the electoral process. CSCE ODIHR BULLETIN Vol. 2, No. 1 20