OSCE and partners support orientation seminar for Kyrgyz parliamentarians

BISHKEK, 20 November 2015 - The OSCE Centre in Bishkek is organizing a three-day seminar, starting today, with a focus on parliamentary ethics and law as well as the structure and functions of the 120-sit Kyrgyzstan’s parliament (Jogorku Kenesh).

The event is co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the Swiss Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.

"The aim of this seminar is the fast-track introduction of newly-elected members of parliament to the profession of the elected official, so that they can pursue further reforms for the benefit of Kyrgyzstan,” said Maciej Dachowski, head of the Politico-Military Dimension of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “The OSCE will continue supporting the parliament and the State in this process.”

International and national experts, representatives of international organizations, former MPs and current parliamentary staff briefed participants about the work of the parliament, rules and procedures, parliamentary law, as well as the vision and strategy of the legislative body.

Following the 4 October 2015 elections, more than 80 new law-makers were elected to the Kyrgyz parliament. The seminar is part of the OSCE Centre’s project on promoting parliamentarianism in Kyrgyzstan.