OSCE/ODIHR opens mission to observe parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan
TASHKENT, 2 December 2014 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today held the opening press conference of its limited election observation mission for the 21 December parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan.
The mission's deployment follows an invitation from the authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The mission is led by Ambassador Daan Everts, and consists of 11 international experts based in Tashkent and eight long-term observers to be deployed throughout the country.
Observers will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments, other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. The mission will assess the legislative framework and its implementation, and will follow campaign activities, voter registration, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies. The mission will also conduct comprehensive monitoring of the media.
As part of the observation process, the mission will meet with candidates and representatives from relevant authorities and political parties, as well as with representatives from the judiciary, civil society and the media.
In line with ODIHR’s methodology for limited election observation missions, the mission will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting and tabulation on election day. Mission members will, however, visit a number of polling stations across the country to follow election day procedures.
A statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be issued on the day after the election. A final report on the observation will be published approximately two months after the completion of the electoral process.
For further information, please contact Elma Šehalić, LEOM Media Analyst, at: +998 90 988 5418 or elma.sehalic@odihr.uz
or
Rachel Bending, OSCE/ODIHR Deputy Spokesperson/Editor at: +48 603 692 638 or rachel.bending@odihr.pl.