Bishkek, Nov. 29, 2021. / Kabar /. The Observer Mission of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) positively assessed the holding and the results of the parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, which took place on Sunday, Nov. 28.

Speaking at a press conference in Bishkek, the head of the mission, deputy secretary general of the OTS Gizmat Gozalov noted that the recent amendments to the electoral legislation allowed for mixed elections in single-mandate constituencies and a single constituency, which allowed for maximum inclusive representation.

“The mission supports the decision to reduce the deposit from 5 million soms to 1 million and the introduction of new criteria and quotas for women and people with disabilities. Such requirements improve the representativeness of lawmaking and enhance legitimacy. The fact that Kyrgyzstan made a decision not to use Form 2 (voting outside the place of residence) was taken positively on our part,” Gozalov said.

He also noted that the number of polling stations outside Kyrgyzstan has increased, which also has a positive effect on the representativeness of the electoral process and provides better access for citizens to exercise their right to vote.

At the same time, Gozalov said with confidence that the mission did not observe any attempts to influence the elections by the administrative and state bodies.

“The mission notes that it did not observe any attempts to influence the elections and did not find evidence of interference by administrative or state bodies in the work of the polling stations. In accordance with the law, all conditions were created for observers. The mission witnessed how international observers took part and that all conditions, including sanitary conditions, were provided. Also, full access was provided for people with disabilities. The parliamentary elections were open and transparent and held in accordance with international standards,” Gozalov concluded.