ODIHR opens limited referendum observation mission to Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, 28 March 2023 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened a limited referendum observation mission for the 30 April constitutional referendum in Uzbekistan, following an official invitation from the national authorities.

The mission is headed by Ambassador Albert Jónsson and consists of a core team of 10 international experts based in Tashkent and 14 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 5 April.

The mission will assess the conduct of the referendum for its compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections and referenda, as well as with national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor all aspects of the referendum, including pre- and post-referendum developments. Specific areas of focus include the implementation of the legal framework, the conduct of the campaign including on social networks, as well as the work of the referendum administration at all levels, referendum dispute resolution and media coverage. They will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations.

Meetings with representatives of state authorities, and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.

The day after the referendum, the mission’s preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report with an assessment of the entire referendum process and containing recommendations will be published some months after the referendum.

Media contacts:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR spokesperson: [email protected] or +48 609 522 266

Elma Šehalić, Media Analyst with the Limited Referendum Observation Mission: [email protected]