The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR) has opened a mission to observe the early presidential elections in Uzbekistan, which will be held on July 9, Kun.uz correspondent reports.
The mission is led by Ambassador Urszula Gacek. The mission consists of a core team of 11 international experts based in Tashkent and 24 long-term observers who will be deployed throughout the country starting June 14. The ODIHR also plans to request 250 short-term observers, who will arrive a few days before Election Day.
The mission will assess the conduct of the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as national legislation.
Observers will closely monitor all aspects of the election, both before and after election day. Specific areas include the implementation of the regulatory framework, campaigning, including on social media, the work of election commissions at all levels, the resolution of electoral disputes and media coverage. Observers will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR recommendations on elections.
The mission will hold a press conference the day after the election to present preliminary findings and conclusions. A final report assessing the entire electoral process and making recommendations will be published a few months after the election.
It should be recalled that on June 9, Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Gayrat Fozilov met with the head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, Urszula Gacek.
