OSCE seminar in Ashgabat addresses election-related commitments and standards

ASHGABAT, 22 April 2015 – Electoral and legal framework of elections was discussed at an OSCE-organized workshop that concluded today in Ashgabat. 

Organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the two-day event brought together 25 participants, including officials of the Central and Local Election Commissions, Ministry of Adalat (Justice) and National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan, members of the Mejlis (Parliament) as well as representatives of the Women’s Union, Youth Union, and political parties.

ODIHR experts focused on the appointment and work of election administration, voter rights and voter registration system, candidate registration and campaigning and election day procedures. The workshop participants exchanged views on the role of independence of election administration, participation of women in elections, as well as public awareness of the activities of the Central Election Commission and the right to legal redress.

“This workshop is organized to enhance the expertise of election officials in the area of implementation of election-related OSCE commitments and international standards,” said Vardon-Deniz Hoca, Human Dimension Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“It is my strong belief that the event will contribute to the efforts of the host Government to further improve its election system.’

“We very much welcome the initiative to host this workshop and Turkmenistan’s clear commitment to consider our recommendations”, said Richard Lappin, OSCE/ODIHR Senior Election Adviser. “ODIHR is ready to continue co-operation with Turkmenistan in further improving electoral processes.”

The participants also discussed review of the legal framework for elections and existing practices and recommendations provided by ODIHR experts following the parliamentary elections held in Turkmenistan in December 2013.