ODIHR experts present final report on Kyrgyzstan’s 2021 parliamentary elections in Bishkek
Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report of ODIHR’s Election Observation Mission to the November 2021 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan on 28 October 2022.
The experts discussed the report’s findings and recommendations with the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda, representatives of state institutions, parliamentary political parties, civil society and the international community. Discussions focused on inclusive and timely lawmaking process and electoral reform, effective measures against vote-buying, involvement of law enforcement bodies in the electoral campaign, guaranteeing the right to a free and secret ballot, ensuring greater transparency of campaign finance, and increased participation of women.
“We are pleased to see that ODIHR recommendations were discussed in an inclusive format, engaging stakeholders from state institutions, parliament, civil society and the international community, to improve electoral legislation and practice,” said Audrey Glover, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the November 2021 elections. “ODIHR stands ready to continue its support to implement the recommendations, including through a review of amendments to electoral legislation.”
The ODIHR team emphasized the importance of addressing recommendations made in its reports well ahead of the next elections. All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.
As part of the ODIHR experts’ visit to the country, a roundtable on good practices for follow-up to electoral recommendations took place on 27 October, involving representatives from electoral management bodies of Albania, Armenia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, as well as the Ministry of Digital Development of Kyrgyzstan and civil society groups. The discussion focused on introducing electronic voter registration, related election technologies and inclusive participation in elections.