How does the OAS support Electoral Processes?
During the last few months of 2006, voters all around the region have gone to the polls. In fact, of the 34 leaders invited to the November 2005 Summit of the Americas, 15 will have been replaced or stood for re-election by the end of 2006. A number of other countries have held elections at the legislative or municipal level. In many of the region’s elections, the OAS acts as an international observer, working with the member states to strengthen the democratic process and promote fairness and transparency. The OAS first sent an Electoral Observation Mission in 1962, and continued to send small missions at the request of countries holding elections. In 1990 the OAS stepped up its support to the member states to strengthen their democratic institutions and procedures. Since then, it has observed more than 90 elections in South and Central America and the Caribbean. To learn more go to the Support Electoral Process page.
