C. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) CHARTER OF PARIS FOR A NEW EUROPE – CSCE SUMMIT (21 NOVEMBER 1990) Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law Democratic government is based on the will of the people, expressed regularly through free and fair elections. Everyone also has the right : (… ) to participate in free and fair elections. DOCUMENT OF THE COPENHAGEN MEETING DIMENSION OF THE CSCE (29 JUNE 1990) (5) OF THE CONFERENCE ON THE HUMAN They solemnly declare that among those elements of justice which are essential to the full expression of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all human beings are the following: (5.1) free elections that will be held at reasonable intervals by secret ballot or by equivalent free voting procedure, under conditions which ensure in practice the free expression of the opinion of the electors in the choice of their representatives; (6) The participating States declare that the will of the people, freely and fairly expressed through periodic and genuine elections, is the basis of the authority and legitimacy of all government. The participating States will accordingly respect the right of their citizens to take part in the governing of their country, either directly or through representatives freely chosen by them through fair electoral processes. They recognise their responsibility to defend and protect, in accordance with their laws, their international human rights obligations and their international commitments, the democratic order freely established through the will of the people against the activities of persons, groups or organizations that engage in or refuse to renounce terrorism or violence aimed at the overthrow of that order or that of another participating State. (7) to ensure that the will of the people serves as the basis of the authority of government, the participating States will (7.1) (7.2) - (7.3) (7.4) - (7.5) - (7.6) - hold free elections at reasonable intervals, as established by law; permit all seats in at least one chamber of the national legislature to be freely contested in a popular vote; guarantee universal and equal suffrage to adult citizens; ensure that votes are cast by secret ballot or by equivalent free voting procedure, and that they are counted and reported honestly with the official results made public; respect the right of citizens to seek political or public office, individually or as representatives of political parties or organizations, without discrimination; respect the right of individuals and groups to establish, in full freedom, their own political parties or other political organizations and provide such 27