Parliamentary Elections, 21 December 2014

Press Conference

Following an official invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and in accordance with its mandate the OSCE/ODIHR has deployed a limited election observation mission (LEOM) to observe the 21 December 2014 parliamentary elections.

ODIHR conducted a needs assessment mission (NAM) from 28 to 30 October 2014 to assess the pre-election environment and the preparations for the presidential and municipal elections and in order to recommend whether to deploy an OSCE/ODIHR election-related activity for the forthcoming elections, and if so, what type of activity best meets the identified needs. The NAM recommended the deployment of a limited election observation mission.

Long-term Observation

The OSCE/ODIHR LEOM, headed by Ambassador Daan Everts, began work on 2 December. The LEOM has a core team of 12 international staff at the head office in Tashkent, drawn from 9 OSCE participating States. Eight long-term observers are expected to arrive in the country by 4 December and will be deployed in teams of two throughout the regions.

In the course of its work, the OSCE/ODIHR will assess these elections for compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations for democratic elections, as well as national legislation. Observers will follow campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, and implementation of the legislative framework. As part of the observation, the LEOM will conduct comprehensive monitoring of the media.

Previous Elections

ODIHR has observed four elections in Uzbekistan since 1999, most recently the 2009 parliamentary elections. ODIHR concluded that the 27 December 2009 parliamentary elections in the Republic of Uzbekistan “took place in the context of Uzbekistan’s declared ‘step-by-step approach’ towards further democratization. While some of the December 2008 amendments to the election law slightly improve the legal framework for elections, their good faith implementation remains indispensable to ameliorate electoral practices in Uzbekistan. However, other amendments, such as providing 15 reserved seats in the lower chamber for the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan and the abolishment of the possibility for civic initiative groups to nominate independent candidates, constituted further departures from OSCE commitments. These provisions are contrary to paragraph 7.2 and 7.5 of the 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document, respectively. Overall, the election legislation continues to fall short of OSCE commitments and requires significant improvements.”

ODIHR has also issued a joint opinion on Draft Amendments and Addenda to the Law “On Elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan” and “On Elections to the Regional, District and City Councils (Kengesh) of People’s Deputies of Uzbekistan”, together with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.