OSCE Chair disappointed with presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan

VIENNA, 31 October 2000 -The OSCE Chairperson in Office, the Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, expressed her disappointment that - despite different assurances during her trip to Bishkek at the end of May - the presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan of 29 October failed to comply with OSCE commitments. "Unfortunately", the Chairperson-in-Office said "the elections did not reverse the negative trends identified during the parliamentary elections at the beginning of this year and can therefore not be qualified as being equal, free and fair."

Referring to details as outlined in the ODIHR preliminary statement of 30 October, the Chairperson took note of positive developments that were exhibited during the electoral process. At the same time the elections were marked by negative trends with regard to the implementation of the electoral legislation. The Chairperson called on the authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic to address all shortcomings of these elections in order to give a new impetus to the democratic development of the country.

The Chairperson-in-Office reiterated that political systems should provide for the full participation of the entire society as the development of a functioning democracy is an essential part of comprehensive security. The presidential elections showed that democratic development in Kyrgyzstan still remains comparatively viable, but is increasingly challenged.

Finally, Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner expressed her hope that President Akayev will use all his authority to rectify the shortcomings and put Kyrgyzstan firmly on track of democratic and economic reform.

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org