OSCE ODIHR director arrives in Uzbekistan to observe parliamentary elections  

On December 20, the Director of the OSCE ODIHR Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir arrived in Uzbekistan for the first time to observe the elections.

“Participation of the OSCE ODIHR director as an observer in the parliamentary elections is regarded by foreign experts as recognition of democratic reforms in Uzbekistan by the OSCE, a manifestation of high respect and great interest in the electoral process, as well as the willingness of this organization to contribute to further democratic transformations in the country,” the CEC noted.

In 2018, ODIHR Director Gísladóttir visited Uzbekistan to attend the first Asian Human Rights Forum. A Memorandum of Understanding between Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan and the OSCE ODIHR, signed on the sidelines of the forum, was aimed at developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of improving legislation in accordance with international standards and best practices.

Gísladóttir, who took office as director of the ODIHR in July 2017, is an experienced politician. Over the years, she was the mayor of Reykjavik, the chairman of the Social Democratic Alliance party, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland. She worked in leadership positions in UN structures, dealt with issues of gender equality, democratic governance, the rule of law. She was a representative of UN – Women in Afghanistan.

The ODIHR was established in 1990 and, as the leading OSCE institution. It helps 57 member countries of the Organization to hold truly democratic elections, provides practical assistance in strengthening democratic institutions and civil society, and supports efforts to strengthen interethnic, interreligious, intercultural dialogue.