Newsroom
Election Observation Mission established in Kyrgyzstan, concerns remain
BISHKEK 9 October 2000
BISHKEK, 9 October 2000 -The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) has established an Election Observation Mission for the 29 October presidential election in Kyrgyzstan.
Mr. Mark Stevens (UK), Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, will co-ordinate the work of eight international experts based in Bishkek and eight long term observers based in five regional centres.
The Election Observation Mission (EOM) will assess compliance of the election process in Kyrgyzstan with the commitments for democratic elections outlined in the OSCE Copenhagen Document of 1990, as well as with relevant national legislation. The EOM is monitoring the conduct of the campaign, and is holding meetings with election commissions, candidates and political parties, media and civil society. The EOM is also monitoring the media coverage of the election campaign.
The EOM is making plans to deploy over 100 observers on the day of the election. However, it is concerned that the process of candidate registration has unfairly limited the possibilities for full participation in the election, though some political alternatives in the election are evident. The EOM is also concerned with the general political environment and that shortcomings highlighted during the parliamentary elections have not been addressed.
The OSCE/ODIHR will closely monitor developments and may review the status of the EOM contingent on developments in the electoral process.
For further information contact Mark Stevens, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission to Kyrgyzstan, 497 Frunze St. Apt. 3, Bishkek, tel/fax: +996 312 213 506, mobile +996 (502) 581 524, or Andrew Bruce, ODIHR Election Adviser, Warsaw, tel. (+48-22) 520 06 00, fax (+48-22) 628 69 67.
Mr. Mark Stevens (UK), Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, will co-ordinate the work of eight international experts based in Bishkek and eight long term observers based in five regional centres.
The Election Observation Mission (EOM) will assess compliance of the election process in Kyrgyzstan with the commitments for democratic elections outlined in the OSCE Copenhagen Document of 1990, as well as with relevant national legislation. The EOM is monitoring the conduct of the campaign, and is holding meetings with election commissions, candidates and political parties, media and civil society. The EOM is also monitoring the media coverage of the election campaign.
The EOM is making plans to deploy over 100 observers on the day of the election. However, it is concerned that the process of candidate registration has unfairly limited the possibilities for full participation in the election, though some political alternatives in the election are evident. The EOM is also concerned with the general political environment and that shortcomings highlighted during the parliamentary elections have not been addressed.
The OSCE/ODIHR will closely monitor developments and may review the status of the EOM contingent on developments in the electoral process.
For further information contact Mark Stevens, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission to Kyrgyzstan, 497 Frunze St. Apt. 3, Bishkek, tel/fax: +996 312 213 506, mobile +996 (502) 581 524, or Andrew Bruce, ODIHR Election Adviser, Warsaw, tel. (+48-22) 520 06 00, fax (+48-22) 628 69 67.