OSCE/ODIHR delegation visits Kyrgyzstan to discuss election reform

BISHKEK, 21 February 2011 – A delegation of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) arrived in Bishkek today to discuss how the Office can assist the Kyrgyz authorities in reforming the country’s electoral framework.

The recommendations included in ODIHR’s final report on the October 2010 parliamentary elections will serve as the basis for the discussions.

“The October elections demonstrated that much can be achieved in a short period of time when there is a clear political will to conduct an election in line with OSCE commitments,” said Corien Jonker, who headed ODIHR’s election observation mission in October.

Douglas Wake, ODIHR’s Deputy Director, stressed the importance of continuing the process of democratic consolidation and building on the progress achieved during last year’s elections.

“The short time period remaining before the presidential election scheduled for later this year should be used to revise the electoral code and bring it in line with the new constitution, OSCE commitments and other international standards,” Wake said.

Other priority recommendations include increasing the capacity of the election administration, the establishment of an independent professional supervisory body for broadcast media, ensuring effective remedy for complainants, and strengthening the integrity of voter lists.

The ODIHR delegation will meet with representatives of the Foreign Ministry, the Central Election Commission, political parties, civil society and the international community.