Topic: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

'An insult': Russian election observers reject Putin's win

Russia's League of Voters, organized in the wake of December's fraud-marred parliamentary election, called the March 4 presidential election 'an insult to civil society.'

Putin wins. Will Russians buy in? (+video)

Questions of legitimacy are dogging Putin's overwhelming presidential win Sunday. Opposition leaders say they plan weeks of protest to force changes in Russia's 'managed' democracy.

Kazakhstan vote fails key democracy test, say officials (+video)

The oil-rich former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan has yet to hold an election that Western observers agree is fair, despite 20 years of democracy.

Occupy Moscow? Street protests over Vladimir Putin presidency

On Monday, 5,000 protesters chanted "Russia without Putin." More protests are planned Wednesday night in Moscow over election rigging by Vladimir Putin's United Russia party.

Putin's party ekes out majority in controversial Russia election

A slim -- and messy -- victory for the United Russia party in Sunday's elections foreshadows troubles for Vladimir Putin's coming bid for the presidency.

Kazakhstan's snap elections draw international criticism

International observers point to serious irregularities during the Sunday snap presidential vote in Kazakhstan that resulted in a sweeping victory of longtime incumbent President Nazarbayev.

Guardian reporter expelled from Russia in cold war echo

Luke Harding, Moscow correspondent of Britain's Guardian newspaper, was told that 'Russia is closed to you.' Even in Soviet times, expulsions of international journalists was rare and usually connected with a diplomatic crisis.

Belarus risks alienating both Russia, EU in wake of political crackdown

Police in Belarus arrested more than 600 activists protesting Sunday's election that handed President Alexander Lukashenko a fourth term. He told opponents Monday, 'You are messing with the wrong guy.'

Belarus election ends in protests, police crackdown

Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko won a fourth term by a significant majority, but large protests by the opposition and a harsh police response signal this could be a difficult term.

Time to reset the reset in US-Russia ties

Human rights and democracy abuses have worsened in Russia. Despite a smoother relationship from the diplomatic 'reset' between Washington and Moscow, the US should more forcefully pressure Russia for progress on rights, especially as elections loom.

Ambiguity surrounding Kyrgyzstan elections raises fresh concern of instability

The Kyrgyz government Wednesday approved a controversial vote recount, raising the specter of fresh instability in a country whose political system has been shattered by two violent revolutions in barely five years.

Kyrgyzstan ex-president's brother arrested - with wig and fake mustache

Police say they found the brother of ousted president Kurmanbek Bakiyev with a pistol and ammunition, a wig, and a false mustache and beard. He was arrested for having a role in the Kyrgyzstan violence last month.

Why Russia's Medvedev is blasting ally Kyrgyzstan

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev unexpectedly criticized a government reform vote in Kyrgyzstan that passed Sunday with 91 percent support.

Georgia elections a triumph for Saakashvili

The first Georgia elections since the country's defeat in its brief war with Russia in 2008 were a triumph for President Mikhael Saakashvili. His party rolled to victory in major cities, and observers said the poll was reasonably fair.

Kyrgyzstan authorizes deadly force on wave of riots, looting

Deposed Kyrgyzstan President Kurmanbek Bakiyev insisted from Belarus on Wednesday he was still the country's rightful leader, while the interim government in Bishkek authorized the use of deadly force to put down looting and ethnic violence.

Kyrgyzstan president resigns, leaving new leaders in full control

Kyrgyzstan President Bakiyev resigned Thursday and fled to Kazakhstan. The interim government of Roza Otunbayeva must now try to restore order to the highly strategic but unstable country.

Ukraine tense as Tymoshenko moves to contest vote

Yulia Tymoshenko was refusing to concede her narrow defeat by Viktor Yanukovich in Sunday's Ukraine elections. Many say it's doubtful she can prove violations of fraud in the brief period allowed for court challenges.

Ukraine tense as election fraud allegations fly

The Central Election Commission announced late Monday that Viktor Yanukovich was in the lead, but main rival Yulia Tymoshenko is alleging fraud.

Move over NATO: Russia pushes new security treaty for Europe

Russia, sidelined at the cold war’s end, has drafted a new security treaty that would give it more input and reduce tensions with NATO aspirants on its border, such as Georgia.

US ally Kyrgyzstan holds Soviet-style election

As host to a key US air base – used to support troops in Afghanistan – the country may feel little pressure to address electoral and human rights abuses.

Albania's electoral shortcomings could delay EU bid

The Balkan nation's vote Sunday struggled to meet international standards – potentially embarrassing the US, which backed Albania's successful bid for NATO membership.

Georgia on Obama's mind?

It should be. The conflict that severely strained US-Russia ties still simmers – showing how hard it will be to repair relations.

Russia goes after election monitors

Moldova's April 5 vote is the lastest example of Moscow's attempt to weaken the king of impartial election observers.

Moldovans erupt in protest after decades of silence

Thousands of young Moldovans stormed through the capital to protest alleged fraud in elections won by the Communist Party.

Don't be naive about Russia's real aims