OSCE Centre supports training of precinct election commission members in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 15 April 2011 –A series of OSCE-supported training seminars for precinct election commission (PEC) members ahead of Kyrgyzstan's 17 April local elections was completed today in three provinces of the country.

The course was organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the Centre for Electoral Technologies under the country's Central Election Commission (CEC). During the week, some 460 members of 42 recently formed precinct election commissions for 13 village councils in Osh, Batken and Talas provinces were trained.

“Electoral education for members of the precinct election commissions involved in local elections is crucial, not least in light of the forthcoming presidential elections this year,” said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “With OSCE support, PEC members have been trained on the integrity and transparency of elections, the electoral framework, voter list management, the rights and responsibilities of election commissioners, the role of PECs before and after elections, as well as during election day, closing procedures, the count and the completion of the results protocol.”

Akylbek Sariev, Chairperson of the CEC, said:  “Effective work of election commissions contributes to holding free, fair and democratic elections; it depends to a great extent on the competence of commission members.”

The training seminars are part of the OSCE's assistance to Kyrgyzstan in improving the electoral system and holding elections in accordance with OSCE commitments and international standards.