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News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections competitive but lacked meaningful voter engagement, international observers say
Publishing date: 29 November 2021
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
BISHKEK, 29 November 2021 – Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections were competitive, but they lacked meaningful voter engagement due to a stifled campaign, constitutional changes weakening parliament and extensive legislative changes to key aspects of the election. Generally adequate election legislation was undermined by limitations on civil and political rights as well as diminished separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. Voters had a wide range of political options to choose from. Election preparations were handled efficiently by the election administration, and election day was peaceful, international observers said in a statement today.
OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities addresses conference on combating xenophobia, antisemitism and racism in Moscow
Publishing date: 29 November 2021
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov participated in the Third Moscow International Conference on Combating Xenophobia, Antisemitism and Racism — Protecting the Future on 22 and 23 November in Moscow. In his opening remarks, the High Commissioner highlighted that: “We
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 279/2021 issued on 27 November 2021
Publishing date: 27 November 2021
Content type: Daily report
Where we are: OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (closed)
What we do: Conflict prevention and resolution
Summary In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 612 ceasefire violations, including 32 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 609 ceasefire violations in the region. In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 193 ceasefire violations, including 48 explosions. In the previous reporting
OSCE SMM Spot Report 31/2021: Armed formations denied the SMM passage to non-government-controlled areas near Zolote and Molodizhne, Luhansk region
Publishing date: 27 November 2021
Content type: Spot report
Where we are: OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (closed)
What we do: Conflict prevention and resolution
On the morning of 27 November, the armed formations in Luhansk region denied two SMM patrols passage to non-government-controlled areas. Both patrols were travelling from government-controlled areas. The first denial occurred at 09:10, at about 350m north of the southern edge of the disengagement
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Secretary General condemn recent obstruction of OSCE SMM’s work, urge for full and safe access
Publishing date: 27 November 2021
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Secretary General
What we do: Conflict prevention and resolution
VIENNA/STOCKHOLM, 27 November 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid expressed concern over the systematic and unacceptable freedom of movement impediments that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) is currently facing in non-government-controlled areas of Ukraine, particularly in the Luhansk region. They called for the immediate removal of the restrictions, which have escalated to a new level, effectively preventing SMM’s operations.
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 278/2021 issued on 26 November 2021
Publishing date: 26 November 2021
Content type: Daily report
Where we are: OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (closed)
What we do: Conflict prevention and resolution
Summary In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 609 ceasefire violations, including 108 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 813 ceasefire violations in the region. In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 60 ceasefire violations, including 39 explosions. In the previous reporting
OSCE Mission survey: Over 89% Montenegrins believe that State Election Commission’s work influences public trust in democracy and elections
Publishing date: 26 November 2021
As many as 89.9% of Montenegrin citizens believe that the functioning of the State Election Commission (SEC) affects the democracy of electoral processes and the trust that citizens have in the elections in Montenegro. This is one of key findings from a Survey on Public Perceptions and Confidence in Election Management Bodies in Montenegro, commissioned by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and conducted by the Damar agency. In this regard, the Mission considers the appointment of a new SEC Chair as a matter of urgency.