OSCE/ODIHR experts in Turkmenistan discuss follow-up to final report on 2013 parliamentary elections with authorities

A team of elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) held a series of meetings this week in Ashgabat with authorities in Turkmenistan to discuss the ODIHR Election Assessment Mission’s final report on the 15 December 2013 parliamentary elections.

The team met with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda and the parliament (Mejlis), as well as representatives of political parties, civil society and media. Issues discussed included the legal framework for elections and practice in respect of fundamental freedoms, the separation of the roles of the state and political parties, the independence of the election administration, and possible amendments to the election code.

“We welcome the readiness of the authorities of Turkmenistan to follow up on the recommendations from our report,” said Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, Head of the ODIHR Election Assessment Mission. “While key challenges remain, this demonstrates the country’s interest to improve their electoral processes, in line with its OSCE commitments.”

During the meeting, the experts also emphasized ODIHR’s readiness to continue supporting the Turkmenistan authorities in addressing recommendations made in the final report, including through workshops on election-related issues.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.