ODIHR launches an election observation mission for Uzbekistan's 27 October parliamentary elections, focusing on democratic standards and legal compliance.
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| ODIHR's election observation mission arrives in Uzbekistan to oversee the 2023 parliamentary elections, ensuring transparency and fair conduct. Symbolic image |
Tashkent, Uzbekistan - September 26, 2024:
The opening of the election observation mission by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) ahead of Uzbekistan’s 27 October parliamentary elections marks a significant moment in the country's political landscape. This mission underscores international scrutiny over the election process, aiming to ensure that it complies with OSCE commitments and international standards for democratic elections, alongside national legislation.
Uzbekistan has been undergoing reforms since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016, positioning the country as more open and transparent in comparison to the previous regime. However, past elections have still been criticized for lacking genuine competitiveness and transparency. ODIHR’s involvement is critical in assessing whether recent reforms have translated into substantial improvements in the electoral process.
Led by Douglas Wake, the ODIHR mission comprises 14 experts and 26 long-term observers, who will be stationed across the country to closely monitor various aspects of the election. These include the legal framework, campaign conduct (especially on social media), the effectiveness of election administration, media coverage, and the resolution of election disputes. The comprehensive nature of their observation, which extends from pre-election preparations through post-election developments, is crucial for ensuring accountability and providing a balanced assessment.
A key element of the mission is the examination of the implementation of previous recommendations made by ODIHR, which will offer insights into the Uzbek authorities' willingness and ability to adapt to international standards. In particular, how political parties, civil society, and the media engage with the process will be indicative of the country’s progress in fostering a pluralistic and open political environment.
The mission’s preliminary findings, set to be released shortly after the elections, will be keenly awaited by both domestic and international audiences. While these elections provide Uzbekistan with an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to democratic norms, the final ODIHR report, due months after the elections, will offer a more definitive judgment on whether the country has moved closer to these standards or if systemic challenges remain.
The ODIHR's presence thus represents both a watchdog role and a tool for fostering long-term democratic progress in Uzbekistan. How the authorities respond to this scrutiny, especially in light of any potential irregularities or criticisms, will reflect the sincerity of Uzbekistan’s path toward democratic reforms.