ODIHR opens election observation mission to Uzbekistan

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 9 July early presidential election in Uzbekistan, following an official invitation from the national authorities.

The mission is headed by Ambassador Urszula Gacek and consists of a core team of 11 international experts based in Tashkent and 24 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 14 June. ODIHR will request 250 short-term observers, to arrive several days before election day.

The mission will assess the conduct of the election for its compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor all aspects of the election, including pre- and post-election developments. Specific areas of focus include the implementation of the legal framework, the conduct of the campaign, including on social networks, the work of the election administration at all levels, election dispute resolution and media coverage. The observers will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations.

Meetings with representatives of state authorities, political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.

An interim report will be published some two weeks prior to the election to update the public and the media on the observation mission’s activities. The day after the election, the mission’s preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report with an assessment of the entire election process and containing recommendations will be published some months after the election.