OSCE experts, Kyrgyzstan's authorities discuss how to improve elections
BISHKEK, 25 August 2010 - Measures to improve elections in Kyrgyzstan, including providing for effective and timely remedy to complaints, improving voter lists and promoting fair media coverage were in focus as experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights met with authorities in Kyrgyzstan today and yesterday.
The ODIHR delegation visited Bishkek as part of a dialogue with Kyrgyzstan's authorities and other election stakeholders with the goal of improving the conduct of elections ahead of the country's 10 October parliamentary elections.
The meetings focused on recommendations made by the ODIHR limited observation mission for Kyrgyzstan's constitutional referendum on 27 June and how these could be implemented ahead of the upcoming parliamentary vote.
"We welcome the opportunity to meet with the Kyrgyz authorities to discuss ways in which the recommendations made in the report can help improve election processes ahead of such an important test for the country," said ODIHR Senior Election Advisor Nicola Schmidt.
""We hope that all election commissions continue to work in the open and transparent manner that we saw during the referendum process. It is important that electoral procedures and regulations are clear and that they are consistently applied."
The discussions also covered recommendations concerning fair and responsible campaigning; additional training for polling station staff, particularly in relation to the counting and tabulation of results; safeguards to prevent multiple voting; the strengthening of the independence of election commissions and the establishment of clear and consistent procedures for their formation.
Schmidt and Raul Muresan, who was deputy head of the limited referendum observation mission, met representatives from the Foreign Ministry, the Central Election Commission and other government authorities, as well as from civil society organizations, the media and international organizations.
ODIHR will observe the parliamentary elections in October at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan's government.