OSCE Centre supports training for Kyrgyzstan's prosecutors ahead of elections

BISHKEK, 21 August 2010 - A training seminar for prosecutors ahead of Kyrgyzstan's 10 October parliamentary elections was held today with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The one-day seminar was organized by the Central Election Commission (CEC) on the request of the Prosecutor-General's Office and with the assistance of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

A group of some 30 managerial-level prosecutors from all parts of the country took part in the seminar, which focused on the role and functions of the prosecutor's office in preparation for and conduct of the election, review of relevant constitutional provisions and laws, timeframes for processing statements on electoral rights' violations and the institution of legal proceedings.

"According to OSCE standards, democratic elections entail more than the implementation of the electoral legislation. They also involve the freedom of peaceful assembly, of media and of association, as well as the rights of women, ethnic minorities and others. In this regard, the role of the prosecutor's office is to supervise and help ensure the accurate and uniform implementation of laws and the observance of human rights as well as to respond quickly to possible violations," said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

Akylbek Sariev, the Chairman of the CEC, said: "As stipulated by our legislation, elections in the Kyrgyz Republic are based on citizens' free and voluntary exercise of their legislative rights without influence. In this context the supervisory institution's role to ensure the protection of citizens' rights is of the highest priority."

Ryskul Baktybaev, the First Deputy Prosecutor-General, added: "In view of the forthcoming parliamentary elections, the Prosecutor-General's Office took this opportunity to bring together the heads of the prosecutor's offices in different provinces to help achieve the uniform comprehension and execution of electoral laws."

The training seminar is part of the OSCE's work to promote electoral reform and assist Kyrgyzstan in holding the parliamentary elections. Three more training courses for non-managerial level prosecutors from all regions of the country will be supported by the OSCE Centre before the pre-election campaign, which will start on 10 September.