KYRGYZ ELECTION: OSCE ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION

UNCLAS BISHKEK 000668 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM KG SUBJECT: KYRGYZ ELECTION: OSCE ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION BRIEFS DIP CORPS REF: A. BISHKEK 662 ¶B. BISHKEK 651 ¶C. BISHKEK 595 ¶D. BISHKEK 521 ¶1. (SBU) The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) Election Observation Mission (EOM) held a briefing for diplomatic representatives to discuss current and planned observation activities for the July 23 presidential election. Representatives from Germany, Turkey, Japan, Ukraine, and the U.S., along with those from Kyrgyzstan's Central Asian neighbor states, attended. EOM Head Radmila Sekerinska said that the Mission had begun its activities, with 12 two-person teams of long-term observers deployed around the country, and with comprehensive media monitoring taking place since June 11. She said that the EOM planned to field 300 short-term observers to cover the 2333 voting precincts throughout the country on election day. ¶2. (SBU) Sekerinska noted that nearly 130,000 Kyrgyz citizens were already registered to vote abroad. She explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and not the Central Election Commission) was responsible for arrangements for out-of-country voting. She said the MFA had plans for 49 voting precincts in 23 countries, including sites at embassies and consulates, but also in bazaars and cafes frequented by expatriate Kyrgyz. (Note: The list of official sites has been published in the official Kyrgyz press. End Note.) Sekerinska clarified that the EOM's mandate did not include observation of voting abroad. ¶3. (SBU) Sekerinska highlighted two significant changes to the Election Code introduced since the December 2007 parliamentary elections. First, the inking of voters' fingers as a precaution against double-voting has been eliminated. Second, the procedure for including a voter onto a precinct's "additional list" has been simplified, and a court order is no longer required. (Note: The "additional list" is for voters who vote outside their home precinct or have been left off of the voters list. End Note.) Under the new requirements, citizens can be added to the lists after demonstrating proof of residence and displaying valid identification. Sekerinska added that the Central Election Commission (CEC) did not yet have a mechanism for cross-checking lists on a nationwide basis to guard against multiple voting. ¶4. (SBU) In addition, Sekerinska said that the CEC had changed the procedures regarding public posting of voter lists: the lists will no longer be posted publicly at polling stations, but individual voters will have the right to check with their Precinct Election Commission to confirm they are included on the list. ¶5. (SBU) Deputy EOM Head Beata Martin-Rozumilowicz said that, in addition to short-term observers recruited abroad from OSCE member states, the EOM would also recruit international short-term observers locally from diplomatic missions. ¶6. (U) Sekerinska said that the EOM would hold additional briefings for OSCE member states and international organizations as the election campaign progresses. LITZENBERGER