OSCE election observers unlikely to attend US Congressional elections

The United States is unlikely to host an election observation mission from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the upcoming Congressional elections. Sources close to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly indicated that an invitation from the U.S. government is no longer expected.

While the U.S. is an OSCE member and is generally committed to allowing observers into the country, the absence of an invitation marks a departure from standard practice. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) previously stated it was awaiting a formal invitation from the U.S. authorities.

Typically, OSCE missions consist of long-term experts who monitor the campaign for several weeks, followed by parliamentary representatives who observe the actual voting process. In 2016, the mission included between 80 and 100 personnel focused on key swing states.