DISINFO: US elections are neither transparent nor open
SUMMARY
[The US electoral system is] convoluted and outdated [...] — one that cannot be independently verified and excludes foreign observers, particularly those from abroad, who face potential prison sentences and foreign agent laws. Nevertheless, Americans somehow assume the role of teaching democracy and election transparency worldwide.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation claim aiming to support Russia’s authoritarian regime by accusing Western countries, especially the U.S., of hypocrisy. The aim is to foster distrust of the West among domestic audiences and to rationalise Russia’s non-compliance with democratic principles.
In the presidential elections held in the United States on November 5, 2024, the role of international observers, particularly the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), was of significant importance. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) organized a "Limited Election Observation Mission" (LEOM) primarily led by Tamas Meszeriks and dispatched it to the United States. The mission includes 15 experts and 64 long-term observers. Representatives of the mission will study and report on aspects such as electoral legislation in the United States, election administration, new voting technologies, campaign and transparency of funding. The organization has observed the U.S. federal elections ten times since 2002, the last time it observed the 2022 midterm elections.
The 2020 U.S. presidential election on November 3 was also recognised as being competitive and effectively managed, despite significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.