OSCE Centre supports development of Code of Conduct for political parties in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 27 July 2010 - Political parties started work today on a Code of Conduct ahead of the parliamentary election at a meeting supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek in co-operation with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and the International Republican Institute.

The meeting, opened by the chairpersons of the OSCE-supported non-governmental organization "Parliament of Political Parties " and the Central Election Commission, brought together representatives of more than 20 major political parties who discussed the principles for guiding parties' behaviour during the electoral campaign ahead of the 10 October election.

"International experience has shown that agreeing on such a Code of Conduct will help ensure that the election campaign is conducted in a transparent, fair and constructive manner," said Alexander Vinnikov, Senior Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. "A Code will help ensure that the Parliamentary elections become a stabilizing factor in the country at a critical time."

Akylbek Sariev, Head of the Central Election Commission, added: "For the Code of Conduct to be successful, delegates must contribute to its development and adhere to it."

The OSCE Centre supported the meeting as part of its work to assist the country ahead of the election.