Final report on parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan stresses need for 'profound electoral reform'

In its final report on the 10 October parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, published on 20 December, ODIHR concluded that: "[the] elections constituted a further consolidation of the democratic process. Political pluralism, a vibrant campaign and confidence in the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda ... characterized the elections. The authorities displayed the political will tohold democratic elections in line with OSCE commitments. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for profound electoral legal reform."

The report includes 36 recommendations for the consideration of the authorities, political parties and civil society in Kyrgyzstan to support their efforts to improve the electoral process. Among the priority recommendations are the revision of the Election Code; the possibility of establishing a centralized, electronic voter register; reforming the national registration systesm to ensure accurate data for the formation of voter lists; and training for members of election commissions.