Kyrgyzstan political parties sign OSCE-supported Code of Conduct

BISHKEK, 11 August 2010 - Representatives of 26 political parties in Kyrgyzstan signed today an OSCE-supported Code of Conduct at a ceremony in Bishkek.

The Code of Conduct outlines principles guiding the parties' behaviour during the campaign ahead of the 10 October election. It was elaborated with support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek in co-operation with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the International Republican Institute, the United States Agency for International Development and the OSCE-supported non-governmental organization "Parliament of Political Parties". 

"Kyrgyzstan's political parties deserve a lot of credit for reaching agreement on this Code," said Lilian Darii, the acting head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. "It demonstrates a constructive and responsible approach to democratic politics, and proves that compromise and consensus are possible even in the heat of intense political competition. I trust that this Code will help turn the upcoming election into a factor for stability in Kyrgyzstan."

Erkingul Imankojoeva, the head of the Presidential Administration's department for public relations, said: "The signing of this code of ethics today will help guarantee a transparent election process, based on democratic principles. We are certain that by adhering to the Code of Conduct, the parties will demonstrate to the nation of Kyrgyzstan and the international community that in our country one can achieve one's goals with respect for the law."

Roza Aknazarova, the head of "Parliament of Political Parties", called on all the signatories "to respect its norms and rules, which will contribute to stabilization in the country. We hope that the parties will be able to make the election free and fair, and to help preserve peace and harmony for the future of our children and the unity of Kyrgyzstan."

Other parties in Kyrgyzstan may still sign up to the Code. The text has been published by key media outlets in Kyrgyzstan and is available in the Kyrgyz, Russian and English languages on the OSCE Centre's website (www.osce.org/bishkek).

The OSCE Centre supported the negotiation process and signing ceremony as part of its assistance to the country ahead of the election.