OSCE supports political parties' equal access to media in pre-election TV debates
BISHKEK, 29 September 2010 - The first in a series of live televised debates with political parties competing in the 10 October parliamentary elections was held today with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.
In partnership with the Japanese Government, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), and the United States Agency for International Development, the OSCE Centre will sponsor nine debates, each featuring three or four parties. All 29 political parties registered for the elections will thus be provided with equal opportunities to present their electoral platforms and engage in constructive political debate on key issues of concern to Kyrgyzstan's voters. The debates will be broadcast by the country's public broadcasting service, KTR, during prime time viewing hours.
"The voting public will have the important opportunity from these live TV debates to get to know the respective policies of the political parties and to see how their policies and candidates stand up in debate among electoral rivals," said Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic Shin Maruo expressed his hopes that this project would contribute to the further development of party politics by ensuring the political parties' equal access to media, providing the conditions for unhindered political debate and encouraging free and sound activities essential for consolidation of parliamentary democracy in Kyrgyzstan.
Scott Kearin, the NDI Senior Resident Director in Kyrgyzstan, added: "The importance of debates cannot be overstated. First, they provide a platform for party leaders to directly reach out to their target audiences. Second, they create a level playing field and minimize media coverage biases."
The OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports political dialogue in Kyrgyzstan - including through these televised debates - as a part of its comprehensive assistance to the country ahead of the parliamentary elections.