The Regional Workshop was organized by ODIHR Election department jointly with the CPRSI, in Warsaw, on 4 June 2019

1. WORKSHOP ON ROMA IN ELECTIONS AND ELECTORAL FOLLOW-UP
Warsaw, June 2019
The focus of today’s meeting, namely, participation of Roma in electoral processes and in
political life of our countries is of utmost importance, though Roma people may not be yet fully
aware of it.
Historically, in every democratic society, the decision-making processes were and continue to be
influenced and driven through political power, which is acquired by mass mobilization, the
convergence of will of the people, guided by a sense of togetherness and moving towards a
common vision and goals.
Achieving success in politics is not easy, especially acquired through legit means, while
operating in an environment characterized by rife competition and high levels of unfairness and
adversity.
Becoming and staying politically influential, as individuals and as a party, is a tough mission even
for parties with old and well-developed structures and resources, and a traditional and loyal
constituency.

2. All these prerequisites to achieving political relevance and influence may sound rather
demotivating when speaking of Roma, a people in Europe that was for centuries excluded,
enslaved and targeted for extermination during the Second World War by the Nazis, their
allies and collaborators.
Ever-perpetual and systemic racism, prejudice, discrimination, hatred and racially
motivated crimes are unfortunately crude realities faced daily by large numbers of Roma
throughout the continent.
And yet, despite all these adversities, we survived, which is quite an amazing feat, given
the circumstances. However, surviving is not enough!
We deserve, we have the right, and we must thrive, and for this we have to strive to
achieve equity and equality and ensure for all Roma and Sinti a dignified life, free of
racism and discrimination.

3. In a Europe that grows more radical, intolerant and populist, where Roma are scapegoated
for all evils of the society, and where racism, anti-Roma incitement and racially-motivated
crimes are met with impunity and perpetrators escape justice, political influence is not
going to be given to Roma, neither shared with them.
We must understand that in order to secure the well-being of Roma and Sinti, our long-
term goal and efforts should focus on mobilizing politically by going out and voting, by
promoting and propelling Roma candidates to stand real chances of being elected,
therefore having a chance to be part of the policy and decision-making processes that can
impact positively the life and prospects of Roma.
Elected Roma and those in appointed positions and executive structures must become the
champions to protect and promote human rights of Roma, fight systemic racism and
structural discrimination that continue to be the underlying and pervasive reason for
today’s state of Roma exclusion.

4. Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Collaborators,
The emerging trends of radicalization of Europe are worrisome, and forces that are driven
by hatred and inspired by centuries-old prejudice towards others, Roma included, are
amassing power and operate in a climate of impunity, which up to certain levels are
resembling patterns of dark periods from a not so distant past.
There’s no time to waste, nor be complacent, as parties guided by hatred toward others do
not wait for anyone. They have clear goals, have influence and are skilful in manipulating
peoples’ instinctual fears to garnish political power and carry out their mission. For many
such far-right and extremist nationalist parties, the fight against a falsely claimed ‘gypsy
criminality’ and campaign against ‘socially-assisted Roma’ lies at the core of their mission
statement and political manifestos.
Without going into politics and becoming influential in decision-making processes, the
goal of Roma inclusion will not be achieved.
It is time to wake up and act promptly and wisely!