Kyrgyzstan’s 2021 parliamentary elections: OSCE/ODIHR observation mission final report

The 2021 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan were competitive and voters were offered a wide range of political options to choose from, but the overall process was negatively affected by limitations on civil and political rights as well as diminished separation of powers and independence of the judiciary. While fundamental freedoms were generally respected, the stifled campaign and voter disillusionment hindered meaningful engagement with voters. The election administration handled technical aspects of the elections in an efficient way, but significant procedural problems were noted during the vote count and the initial stages of tabulation.

These are the main conclusions from the final report on Kyrgyzstan’s 28 November parliamentary elections, published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The report offers 22 recommendations to bring elections in Kyrgyzstan closer in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections.

Key recommendations include:

• Reviewing the legal framework to ensure compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections through an inclusive, timely, consultative and transparent process;

• Fostering an environment for unhindered campaign activities and meaningful voter and candidate engagement;

• Upholding media freedom and creating the conditions for freedom of expression without undue limitations on access to information and interference with journalists’ work;

• Enhancing the independence and impartiality of the Central Election Commission and amending the law to guarantee more balanced political representation in the election administration;

• Amending the legal definition of election campaigns to allow for comprehensive reporting on and editorial coverage of contestants’ campaigns by media;

• Addressing the issue of vote-buying and pressure on voters to promote confidence in the electoral process and a genuine commitment from political parties to combat vote-buying;

• Not rejecting appeals on formalistic grounds by the courts and enhancing the effectiveness of judicial remedies in election-related disputes.

ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission on 19 October 2021 to observe the parliamentary elections. All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.