The contacts of the Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA), Ms Irene Charalambidou, began yesterday in Astana, in the framework of the mission to monitor the early parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan.
Ms. Charalambidou, in her capacity as OSCE Special Coordinator, addressed the short term observers of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). During her speech, she expressed her thanks to the experts and observers who are present throughout the country and stressed that in cooperation with the observers of the Parliamentary Assembly, the OSCE is able to present conclusions with unquestionable credibility.
He noted that the mission is a strong indication of the participating States' interest in monitoring compliance with the democratic commitments undertaken, while at the same time it is an act of solidarity with the people of Kazakhstan.
Referring to the violent events of January 2022, as well as the constitutional referendum and early presidential elections held last year, Ms. Charalambidou noted that the parliamentary elections called by the President of the country follow a year of significant developments for Kazakhstan, which resulted in citizens looking forward to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections.
He recalled that the OSCE has previously expressed concerns and made specific recommendations regarding the conduct of elections in Kazakhstan. He noted in this context the statements by the relevant authorities that significant efforts have been made to implement these recommendations through the constitutional referendum and other reforms to the country's electoral legislation, and expressed hope for tangible progress.
Finally, Ms. Charalambidou stressed to the observers the importance of transparency, impartiality and accuracy in recording their observations so that the OSCE would be able to present a credible and detailed assessment of Kazakhstan's compliance with the commitments undertaken.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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