OSCE supports discussion on role of parliamentarians ahead of presidential election in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 10 September 2011 – An OSCE-organized forum on the role of the Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament in ensuring the conduct of transparent presidential elections, took place today.

The event was jointly organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the non-governmental organization Parliament of Political Parties and Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament (Jogorku Kenesh), and was attended by a delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), members of the Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament and political experts, who discussed how parliamentarians can contribute to the conduct of free, fair and inclusive elections.

Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “It is in the nature of the OSCE that each and all of the 56 participating states, including Kyrgyzstan, rely on each other's support and share their experience, as equals within a consensus-based organization. Interaction between Parliamentarians is an essential part of the process, especially ahead of such an important event as a presidential election.”

The OSCE PA Vice President Walburga Habsburg Douglas (Sweden) said: "The relationship between the executive and legislature is critical to ensuring transparency in government."

Asylbek Jeenbekov, the Deputy Speaker of the Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament said: “The upcoming presidential election is an important milestone in the democratic development of our country. People are waiting for this historic moment, as the transitional period is about to be over. It is important for us to strengthen people’s trust, and this forum will help us define the role of parliament in ensuring the holding of transparent elections”.

The Forum was organized as a part of the OSCE’s work to support Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament.