OSCE/ODIHR and OSCE Office in Tajikistan discuss final report on presidential elections and expanding political participation at meeting in Dushanbe

DUSHANBE, 9 April 2014 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented today the final report of the Election Observation Mission for the November 2013 presidential election at an event co-organized with the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

The event brought together representatives of the parliament, election administration, political parties, media and civil society. One of the key themes of the meeting was the participation of women, youth and members of national minorities in political life.

Ambassador Paraschiva Badescu, Head of the Election Observation Mission, said: “While noting that the elections took place peacefully and that measures were taken to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the administration of elections, the report also recommends steps to bring the electoral process closer in line with OSCE commitments.”

She welcomed the intention expressed by the Central Commission on Elections and Referenda to address shortcomings identified in the report. “ODIHR is always ready to provide support and expertise in the implementation of such recommendations.”

The report also recommends ensuring greater pluralism in the make-up of election commissions, enhancing the inclusiveness of candidate-registration procedures, and granting non-partisan citizen observers the right to observe elections. It also urges a comprehensive review of the legal framework in line with past and present OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.

Ambassador Markus Mueller, Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, said that supporting parliamentary and legistlative processes in the country was among priorities of the OSCE office: "The role of the representatives elected to parliament is, among other things, to safeguard the exercise of fundamental freedoms and civil and political rights, OSCE's support to the political and parliamentary process in Tajikistan will not stop after the 2015 elections; we remain committed to supporting transparency and inclusiveness in the legislative process."

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