OSCE Centre supports training of domestic election observers in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 8 September 2011 – A two-day course for long-term domestic election observers started today in Bishkek. The courses are organized jointly by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) and the non-governmental organization Taza Shailoo (Fair Elections).

Some 20 long-term observers from Kyrgyzstan will be trained on the new electoral legislation, key aspects and stages of the election process, observation methodology, and electoral dispute resolution.

“Professional and accurate domestic observation makes an important contribution to the credibility of the election process,” said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “The purpose of the course is to increase and strengthen the capacity of Kyrgyzstan’s civil society to conduct professional and non-partisan observation of the electoral process, and to raise the profile and accountability of domestic election observation.”

Ishenbay Kadyrbekov, a member of the CEC, said: “The good co-ordination of the work of all those who participate in the preparation and organizing of the elections is the key factor in obtaining accurate election results. This training course builds the capacity of civil society to observe all stages of the process effectively.”

Ainura Usupbekova, the Executive Director of Taza Shailoo, added: “Election observation is an important instrument in strengthening democratization process in the country. We should learn to use this instrument in the most efficient way.”

The course is organized as a part of the OSCE's assistance to Kyrgyzstan in improving the electoral system and holding elections in accordance with OSCE commitments and international standards.