OSCE/ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations in Uzbekistan

Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with electoral stakeholders in Tashkent on 3 and 4 July 2017 to present recommendations from ODIHR’s final report on the 4 December 2016 early presidential election in Uzbekistan.

The report’s findings and recommendations were presented to officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Election Commission, the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the parliament, as well as to representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office and civil society.

Priority recommendations focused on lifting restrictions on fundamental freedoms, enhancing the coherence of the legal framework for elections, reviewing the complaints and appeals process, separating the roles of the state and political parties during electoral campaigns and ensuring the participation of non-partisan citizen observers.

“We appreciate the commitment at the highest level in Uzbekistan and regard the adoption of a roadmap on electoral reform, which includes consideration of ODIHR's previous recommendations, as a positive step towards addressing long-standing systemic shortcomings,” said Steven Martin, ODIHR Senior Election Adviser. “Beyond substantial technical changes, fundamental elements underpinning democratic elections should also be addressed.”

The experts drew attention to recommendations on enforcing provisions on vote secrecy, as well as ensuring full access for citizen observers to all stages of the electoral process and on provisions for independent candidacies. They emphasized the importance of addressing the recommendations in an inclusive and open manner.

The experts noted the action plan adopted by the Central Election Commission to improve the electoral legal framework and practice, which, among other elements, envisages the adoption of a unified electoral code and the introduction of a centralized electronic voter register. The experts expressed readiness to co-operate and provide assistance to the authorities in implementing these and other measures to improve the conduct of elections.

The follow-up visit, the first of its kind in Uzbekistan, followed an official invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to following up on ODIHR's election assessments and recommendations.