During the visit, Mission representatives – Megan Fitzgerald, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Department, and Election Adviser Kseniya Dashutina met with Zayniddin Nizamkhodjaev, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission.
During the meeting, the Mission representatives were provided with detailed information on the activities regarding preparation for the early presidential election based on the national electoral legislation and the Calendar plan.
During the meeting, special attention was also paid to the implementation of the recommendations on election results in Uzbekistan in the final report of the ODIHR election observation missions into the national electoral legislation and practice, as well as to the improvement of the legal framework for elections, including the work carried out in the course of the constitutional reforms.
According to the OSCE/ODIHR methodology, a needs assessment mission is conducted prior to specific elections. Based on the results of the pre-election assessment and the compliance of the national electoral legislation with international electoral standards, a decision is made on the feasibility of the election observation, the form of the observation, the duration, and the number of observers required.
The representatives of the Needs Assessment Mission noted the work done in the country to improve the electoral process. They expressed confidence that the upcoming elections will be held based on international democratic principles and at a high organizational level.
As part of the visit, the members of the Mission will meet with representatives of various ministries and departments, political parties, and the media.
