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A GROUP of international observers has found that the US presidential elections were “competitive and well-run,” but they condemned Donald Trump’s “unfounded allegations” of systemic fraud, saying they undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
“No one, no politician, no elected official, should limit the voting rights of the people,” said Michael Georg Link, Special Coordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observation mission.
“After such a dynamic campaign, ensuring that every vote is counted is a fundamental obligation for all branches of government,” he said.
Trump, in the early hours of Wednesday while the ballots were still being counted, declared “fraud” in the election with his teams since he mounted a series of legal proposals to stop counting in several states.
Trump has a narrow path to a second term, as Joe Biden currently has 264 electoral college votes to Trump’s 214.
The OSCE sent 100 observers to more than 30 states to observe the presidential vote with the preliminary findings released last night. This will be followed by a more comprehensive report early next year.
In its preliminary report, the OSCE described early voting in the weeks leading up to the elections as “competitive and well-managed” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But the report raised concerns about campaign finances, protracted lawsuits and “bitter campaign rhetoric.”
Observers said that the US media struggled to provide accurate information about the organization of the elections, sometimes contrary to the candidates’ statements.
Observers also raised concerns about misinformation in the run-up to the elections.
The report says: “Amid growing public and legal scrutiny, major social media companies have adjusted policies and practices aimed at addressing disinformation, particularly in relation to elections, but concerns persisted about the high level of misinformation spread. throught social media”.
Urszula Gacek, a former Polish diplomat who led observers for the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, reserved the harshest criticism for incumbent President Trump, who said he had tried to “weaken confidence in the electoral process.” .
“The enormous effort made by poll workers, supported by many committed citizens, ensured that voters were able to cast their votes despite legal and technical challenges and deliberate attempts by the incumbent president to weaken confidence in the electoral process,” Gacek said.
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“But this election is not over, and we remain here in DC and in key states across the country until it is over. It is vital that every duly cast vote is counted correctly. “
The report also found that negative campaigns by “the majority of candidates were frequently exacerbated by misrepresentation of facts, especially by the incumbent president, detracting from the ability of voters to accurately assess the results. views and qualifications of the candidate. “
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