OSCE/ODIHR final report calls for comprehensive electoral reform in Uzbekistan, offers recommendations to assist
The review of limitations on fundamental rights, the harmonization of electoral laws and the removal of restrictions on the rights of individuals to vote and run as candidates are some of the main recommendations contained in the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 4 December 2017 early presidential election in Uzbekistan.
The report, published on 22 March 2017, offers 24 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections and increase the transparency of and public confidence in the electoral process; these include recommendations related to the prevention of electoral fraud and ensuring genuine competition.
The report notes that recent amendments to the legal framework took into account some previous ODIHR recommendations, mainly of a technical nature, but also that a number of key recommendations, in particular pertaining to freedoms of expression, association and assembly have not been implemented.
It recommends repealing existing provisions that prohibit the dissemination of false information, decriminalizing defamation and providing clear and exhaustive criteria for the denial or suspension of registration of media outlets.
While noting that technical preparations for the elections were managed competently, the report recommends a clear distinction be made between the roles of election commission members and other officials, so that the electoral process is administered only by authorized individuals. The report also recommends the development of a centralized voter register that is regularly updated and allows for cross-checks.
To enhance transparency and confidence in the election results, the report recommends that clear and open procedures for the counting of votes be established and strictly implemented, while preliminary and final results should be made publicly available, including online, in a timely manner, with a complete breakdown of voting by polling station.
The report also recommends amending the electoral legal framework to allow for observation by non-partisan civil society organizations. Moreover, to provide effective means of redress, the law should be amended to allow voters, parties, candidates and observers to file complaints on any aspect of the electoral process.