OSCE/ODIHR final report on Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections recommends authorities review legal framework and make efforts to ensure inclusive voter registration
The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Kyrgyzstan’s 4 October parliamentary elections recommends a review of legislation, including on the right of independent candidates to stand for elections, the enforcement of all quota requirements for candidate lists, and clear conditions under which candidates may withdraw after election day.
The report, published on 28 January 2016, notes that amendments to the electoral law addressed some OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations, including providing more clarity in the electoral dispute resolution system. However it recommends reviewing the legislation to limit the grounds for deregistering candidates and to reconsider the requirement for parties to clear both national and regional electoral thresholds to win seats.
The international observers noted positive developments in the system of voter registration and identification, based on a unified biometric register. However, some voters did not submit their biometric data, including due to concerns over the use of personal data, and the report recommends that authorities undertake comprehensive efforts to ensure inclusive voter registration.
While acknowledging that the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda held sessions open to public, the report recommends increasing the transparency of election administration activities, including entitling observers to follow all stages of the electoral process and the timely publication of all election-related decisions.
The campaign environment was observed to be largely peaceful, with fundamental freedoms respected. The misuse of state administrative resources did not appear to be a major concern – a positive development, the report says. However, the report nevertheless recommends that authorities take further efforts to address vote-buying, both through voter education and prosecution, to raise confidence in the electoral process, and to enhance the transparency of campaign finance.
While stating that the media provided contestants with a platform to present their views, the report recommends banning the broadcasting of campaign materials within the news, to avoid voter confusion over the nature of the content presented, and measures to ensure that paid political content is clearly identified.
For the election day activities, ODIHR joined efforts with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the European Parliament.