TurkPA observers praise elections and referendum in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, April 12, 2021 . / Kabar / . An observer mission of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TurkPA) praised the democratic standards in the legislation regarding the elections and referendum, head of the TurkPA delegation and member of the Turkish National Assembly Sheker Rejep said during a briefing Monday. He also noted that the organization appreciates the use of biometric data and automatically reading ballot boxes at the elections in Kyrgyzstan, which makes it possible to make accurate counting of votes. "In addition, the mission paid attention to the preparation of election materials for people with disabilities. Besides, the mission's observers praised the conduct of the elections in compliance with sanitary and epidemiological rules. The referendum was held openly and under the close observation of the observers. In addition, all financial expenditures of parties and referendum groups were published on time. The referendum held smoothly and fairly," Sheker Rejep said. On April 11, Kyrgyzstan held the constitutional referendum along with local council elections. Deputy Prime Minister Ulukbek Karmyshakov said that both the referendum and the election were held successfully. 2,483 polling stations were opened in Kyrgyzstan, as well as 48 ones abroad. Over 30% of the total number of voters must vote in order to recognize the referendum valid. Thus, according to the latest data of the republic’s CEC, turnout at the referendum made 36.75%. 78% of Kyrgyzstanis voted for new Constitution.