SCO observer mission recognizes constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan as legitimate and democratic

Bishkek, April 12, 2021. / Kabar /. The constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan was held in accordance with the current legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and the international obligations assumed by the republic, head of the observer mission from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Zhang Haizhou told at a press conference. He noted that the SCO observer mission monitored the preparation and conduct of the constitutional referendum. “On the eve of the referendum, the members of the mission visited a number of precinct election commissions (PECs) located in Bishkek and Chui oblast in order to familiarize themselves with the preparations for the nationwide voting. The hosting party created all the conditions for monitoring the process. Comprehensive information was provided to the members of the mission,” he said. Zhang Haizhou said that all conclusions of the mission are based on observations made by members of the missions. “On election day, April 11, members of the mission arrived at the polling stations at 8 am. We attended the preparation of ballots and automatic reading ballot boxes. Mission members visited about 50 PECs located in Bishkek and Chui oblast. At the PECs, which were visited by representatives of the mission, there were observers from public associations, NGOs and a number of international organizations and media representatives,” added the head of the mission. Zhang Haizhou stressed that no complaints or comments were received by the mission representatives. “The referendum took place in an atmosphere of openness and transparency with the active participation of the civil sector. The mission states that the referendum on the draft law on the Constitution was held in accordance with the current legislation and the international obligations assumed by the Kyrgyz Republic. The mission recognizes the referendum as open, free and legitimate. The mission states that the referendum was an important step towards the further development of democratic processes,” he concluded. The referendum on the draft of the new Constitution took place on Sunday.