Over 700 international experts to observe parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan

First Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Ilhom Nematov met with the head of the Election Observation Mission of the OSCE ODIHR Cayetana de Zulueta, the MFA press service said.

During the talks, practical issues of interaction of the Uzbek side with the full-fledged OSCE ODIHR Mission on the preparation and conduct of the December 22 elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis and local councils were discussed.

It was emphasized that the current electoral process, in which 5 parties take part, takes place under the motto “New Uzbekistan - new elections”. In this regard, the importance of the new Electoral Code of Uzbekistan, which passed international examination and was developed taking into account recommendations of the OSCE ODIHR, the World Association of Electoral Bodies and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, was noted. This conceptual document provides for strengthening of the positions and role of political parties, abolition of quotas, contributes to the protection of the electoral rights of citizens, involves the creation of a single electronic voter list.

In general, a lot of preparatory work is being done to ensure the rights of citizens of Uzbekistan to participate in the elections. For this, 55 polling stations in 38 countries were created at diplomatic missions of our country abroad.

According to preliminary data, more than 700 international observers from 50 countries and international organizations are expected to arrive in Uzbekistan.

Cayetana de Zulueta said that the OSCE ODIHR plans to send about 300 people to observe the elections. They intend to visit all regions of the country, cover the majority of polling stations, and meet with representatives of five political parties participating in the elections.