OSCE/ODIHR launches a limited election observation mission to Uzbekistan

WARSAW/TASHKENT, 2 December 2004 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) has deployed a limited election observation mission for the parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan on 26 December 2004. Ambassador Lubomir Kopaj from Slovakia will head the mission, which will include 21 election experts and long-term observers.

This is the second time the OSCE/ODIHR will observe elections in Uzbekistan. The mission includes nine international staff based at the Tashkent head office and 12 long-term observers deployed in the regions. No systematic observation with short-term observers on election day is planned.

The mission will assess the election in terms of its compliance with OSCE commitments and international standards for democratic elections and national legislation. It will focus on the election campaign, the legislative framework and its implementation, the media situation, the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies, and the resolution of election-related disputes.

Following the election, the mission will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on the pre-election process. A comprehensive final report will be released about one month after the completion of the election process.

For further information, please see the ODIHR link.