Early Presidential Election, 9 July 2023

Following an invitation from the authorities of Uzbekistan, based on the findings and conclusions of the Needs Assessment Mission that took place on 17 and 18 May 2023 and in accordance with its mandate, ODIHR has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the 9 July early presidential election. 

Long-term Observation

The ODIHR EOM, headed by Ambassador Urszula Gacek, consists of 11 international experts based in Tashkent. In addition, 24 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 14 June.

The mission will assess the election for its compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards, as well as with national legislation. Observers will closely monitor all aspects of the election, including possible post-election developments. Specific aspects include the implementation of the legal framework, the campaign, election dispute resolution and media coverage. They will also assess how prior ODIHR recommendations have been considered. As part of the observation, the ODIHR EOM will conduct comprehensive monitoring of the media.

Election Day

ODIHR will request the secondment of 250 short-term observers from OSCE participating States to follow the election day proceedings. The short-term observers will be deployed throughout the country in multinational teams of two which will observe:

• the opening of polling stations
• the voting
• the counting of ballots
• the tabulation of results at all levels.

Previous Elections

ODIHR has previously observed nine elections and a referendum in the country, most recently the 30 April 2023 constitutional referendum.