At the start of each new parliamentary term, MEPs elect an Ombudsman for a five-year term. The five candidates in the running were announced during the October plenary session. The Parliament is expected to elect the Ombudsman by secret ballot during December’s plenary session in Strasbourg. The European Ombudsman investigates complaints from citizens, EU residents and EU-based organisations about poor administration by EU institutions or other EU bodies, such as unfair conduct, discrimination, unnecessary delays or incorrect procedures. It reports back to the European Parliament each year.