OSCE-facilitated agreement commits Kyrgyz presidential contenders to fair election campaign

BISHKEK, 13 June 2005 - Five of the contenders for Kyrgyzstan's 10 July presidential election today signed a politically binding document in Bishkek, committing themselves to a fair and honest election campaign.

Under this "Charter of Accord", the contenders for the country's leadership are bound to honour principles such as refraining from intimidating other candidates, from speeches and actions that may incite violence, ethnic, racial or religious discord, or from influencing the campaign by using their current or past official posts.

Representatives from the media, NGOs and the international community witnessed the signing event, chaired by Alojz Peterle, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office's Personal Representative for Central Asia.

"This expression of a common will to run their campaigns with respect for high democratic and moral standards in line with open and transparent elections can contribute to a higher quality of election in the eyes of the citizens" , Peterle said.

"It will not be for the law or the international community to decide whether this historic agreement is fulfilled. History itself will judge if the events of 2005 mark the first step forward down the long road to democracy, stability and prosperity for Kyrgyzstan."

Acting Deputy Prime Minister Adakhan Madumarov said: "Unlike previous elections, during which administrative resources were used by the state, this coming election must be the cleanest one since Kyrgyzstan's independence. The future of our country depends on it."

Tuigunaaly Abdraimov, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) also called on the media "to help the country to have transparent and fair elections".

Kubanychbek Apasov, Akbaraly Aitikeyev, Kurmanbek Bakiev, Gaisha Ibragimova, and Nazyrbek Nishanov, who are running for the Presidential post, endorsed the charter, while Amanbay Satybaev and Toktaym Umetalieva refused.

In discussions with the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, four of the remaining five contenders who did not attend the event expressed their desire also to sign the Charter. They are invited to the OSCE Centre where the document remains open.

The deadline for registration of candidates falls today. The CEC is expected to announce the official list of candidates shortly.