OSCE/ODIHR will not deploy observation mission to Turkmenistan elections

WARSAW, 9 December 1999 - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Office for Democratic Institution and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) will not deploy an observation or limited assessment mission to Turkmenistan for the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 December 1999.

The OSCE/ODIHR decision is due to grave concerns that the broad electoral framework in Turkmenistan falls far short of OSCE commitments formulated in the 1990 Copenhagen Document.

ODIHR is concerned that in Turkmenistan:

• Even a minimum level of pluralism for competitive elections is absent;
• Fundamental freedoms necessary for any level of political activity in an electoral context are severely restricted;
• The executive authorities of the State maintain a complete control over all electoral activities, including nomination of candidates;
• The legislative framework is inadequate for even a minimally democratic elections; and
• Authorities have rejected recent offers of assistance from the international community, including OSCE/ODIHR, to improve the election legislation. Only minor amendments were adopted earlier this year.

Nonetheless, OSCE/ODIHR stands ready to assist the authorities of Turkmenistan should they decide to undertake measures to improve the broad electoral framework in the future.

Media Contact: Elsa Fenet, ODIHR Election Advisor, Warsaw, Poland, (+48-22) 520 06 00 or fax: (+48-22) 520 0605.