SCO observer mission notes high activity of citizens in parliamentary elections

Bishkek, Oct. 5, 2020. /Kabar/. The observer mission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) recognized the elections to the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic as valid, Head of the mission Sergey Kryuchek said at a briefing. He noted the parliamentary elections were held in a broad competitive basis in an atmosphere of transparency of the election campaign with active participation of civil society and media. "The mission noted the high activity of citizens in the elections. There were observers from parties at the polling stations, as well as a number of international organizations and media. The mission representatives didn’t receive complaints or comments,” he said. Kryuchek added that the parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan are the first elections where it is required to post election programs on the CEC website. "An important point of the elections are public publications about the funds, the source of funding and all expenditure items. During the election, voter identification was used and automatically reading ballot boxes were used, which allow to automatically calculate, and the results were sent to the CEC server. Given the pandemic, attention was paid to sanitary and epidemiological safety. In particular, the CEC and the Ministry of Health have developed an algorithm for action during the organization and conduct of elections. Opportunities for equal exercise of all constitutional rights of disabled people have been created throughout the country,” the head of SCO mission added. He also noted that activities within the election campaign were carried out openly and were covered in detail in the media in strict compliance with the laws. The mission states that the elections of deputies to the Jogorku Kenesh were held in accordance with legislation. The SCO mission did not observe any violations of national legislation. Observers recognize the elections as open, free and legitimate. The mission states that the elections were an important step in the development of democratic processes. Yesterday, Oct. 4 a parliamentary elections were held in Kyrgyzstan. Turnout made 1 million 980 thousand 240 voters, that is 56,2%. According to preliminary estimates of the country’s Central Elections Commission, 4 parties have overcome the 7% barrier - Birimdik - 24.53%; Mekenim Kyrgyzstan - 23.9%; Kyrgyzstan- 8.74%; Butun Kyrgyzstan – 7,09 %. Kyrgyzstan’s CEC will announce the final results of the parliamentary elections no later than 20 days from the day of voting.