Assessment of the Election Code of the Kyrgyz Republic as Amended by the Legislative Assembly in the Second Reading on 25 December 2003
This assessment reviews and comments on the Election Code (hereafter “the Code”) of the Kyrgyz Republic as amended by the Legislative Assembly on 25 December 2003. This assessment is based on an unofficial English translation of the Code, as
reflected in 93 articles on 127 pages of text. The OSCE/ODIHR previously commented in November 2003 on proposed amendments to the Code proffered by both executive and legislative branches of government. This assessment supersedes the OSCE/ODIHR November 2003 assessment of proposed amendments. This assessment is provided with the goal of assisting the authorities in the Kyrgyz Republic in their efforts to develop a sound legal framework for democratic elections.
However, as previously stated by the OSCE/ODIHR, the extent to which any amendments can have a positive impact will ultimately be determined by the degree to which state institutions and officials implement and uphold the Code.
Assessment of Pending Amendments to the Election Code of the Kyrgyz Republic
This assessment reviews and comments on pending amendments to the Election Code (hereafter “the Code”) of the Kyrgyz Republic. The assessment is based on an unofficial English translation of the pending amendments, as reflected in a
comparative table consisting of 93 articles provided to the OSCE Centre in Bishkek by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central Election Commission (CEC) of the Kyrgyz Republic in July 2003.
Review of Amendments to the Election Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, adopted on 11 October 2001
The OSCE/ODIHR underscores from the outset that, despite weaknesses in the Election Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, with political will the Code could have provided for reasonably acceptable elections. However, during the 2000 parliamentary and presidential elections, the OSCE/ODIHR concluded that such political will was absent. Thus, the extent to which any new amendments to the Code can have a positive impact will ultimately be determined by the intent of those implementing the Code, those organizing the elections, and those in charge of the various State institutions.