OSCE Centre supports local elections in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 4 September 2008 - The OSCE Centre in Bishkek will provide assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic during the 5 October local elections.

"These elections are important not only to further strengthen the system of local self-government in the country but also to offer voters the opportunity to express their will," said Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre.

"We believe these local elections would benefit from the implementation of recommendations from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), made as a result of their observation of the 16 December 2007 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan."

The Centre will support an information campaign of the Central Elections Commission (CEC) on voter education through TV and radio public service announcements, public billboards and leaflets. The Centre will help organize training courses by the CEC and the International Foundation of Election Systems for members of precinct election commissions, and assist an alliance of NGOs in conducting domestic non-partisan observation.

ODIHR on behalf of OSCE does not send observers to local elections.