OSCE concerned about lack of transparency in US election financing

OSCE said in their preliminary findings that US elections were competitive and well managed, but lashed out at President Donald Trump for sowing public doubts in the integrity of the voting and attempting to restrict ballot counts, Report says, citing OSCE statement.

OSCE observers noted that they were unable to gain access to polling stations in 18 US States.

Observers also lamented the lack of transparency in campaign financing rules. "While this is regulated at the Federal level with ceilings on individual donations to campaigns and full disclosure, the regulations on the unrestricted independent spenders effectively reduce transparency and amplify the impact of money in politics," they said. OSCE estimated that the total expenditure during the 2020 campaigns would reach $14 billion.

"Counting and tabulation are ongoing and should continue under the law and OSCE commitments. Baseless allegations of systematic deficiencies, notably by the incumbent president, including on election night, harm public trust in democratic institutions."

The mission also added that it found no "systematic wrongdoings" during US elections and accusing Trump of exploiting his position for political advantage.