TURKPA mission monitors referendum in Kyrgyzstan and meets with officials

Bishkek, April 13, 2021. / Kabar /. The TURKPA election observation mission, headed by Recep Sheker and composed of parliamentarians of the member states of the Parliamentary Assembly Vugar Iskandarov (Azerbaijan), Edil Mamytbekov, Amerkhan Rakhimzhanov (Kazakhstan) and Yashar Karadag (Turkey), as well as representatives of the Secretariat, conducted short-term monitoring of the constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan on April 11, 2021. Prior to the voting day, the mission held meetings with Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament Talant Mamytov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruslan Kazakbaev and Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Nurzhan Shaildabekova. Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh Talant Mamytov briefed about the measures taken to conduct the referendum to be held fairly, freely and transparently and conditions created for the work of observers. Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev expressed gratitude to the members of the mission for their interest and participation in monitoring the referendum process in the Kyrgyz Republic. Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Nurzhan Shaildabekova informed the observers in detail about the preparations for the referendum, including material and technical aspects. During the meetings, the TURKPA mission highly appreciated the level of preparation for the referendum, in particular, the achievements in the use of modern technologies to ensure the electoral rights of citizens. Observers expressed their hope that the voting results will contribute to the further progress and prosperity of the country. On the day of voting, the TURKPA mission visited the polling station in Bishkek, where President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov voted. The president welcomed the TURKPA mission taking part in observing the referendum in the Kyrgyz Republic. The mission visited a number of polling stations in Bishkek and observed the voting process at all stages, had the opportunity to talk with voters, polling station officials and local observers in the field. As part of their observation program, mission members gave interviews to local media. The TURKPA mission also met with the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Election Observation Mission and exchanged views on the monitoring of the referendum process and cooperation between the two organizations. On April 12, 2021, the mission held a press conference following its observation and concluded that the April 11 referendum in the Kyrgyz Republic was held in accordance with national legislation and international standards.