Assessment of the Election Code of the Kyrgyz Republic as Amended by the Legislative Assembly in the Second Reading on 25 December 2003

This assessment reviews and comments on the Election Code (hereafter “the Code”) of the Kyrgyz Republic as amended by the Legislative Assembly on 25 December 2003. This assessment is based on an unofficial English translation of the Code, as reflected in 93 articles on 127 pages of text. The OSCE/ODIHR previously commented in November 2003 on proposed amendments to the Code proffered by both executive and legislative branches of government. This assessment supersedes the OSCE/ODIHR November 2003 assessment of proposed amendments. This assessment is provided with the goal of assisting the authorities in the Kyrgyz Republic in their efforts to develop a sound legal framework for democratic elections. However, as previously stated by the OSCE/ODIHR, the extent to which any amendments can have a positive impact will ultimately be determined by the degree to which state institutions and officials implement and uphold the Code.