OSCE Review Conference addressed democratic elections issues

During the last two decades the Organization has paid special attention to development of democratic elections as the basis of stability and security. In particular, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) assists the member states in implementation of the commitments connected with elections by observing them in the frameworks of the national legislation. The ODIHR also helps in realization of recommendations given upon the results of the observations.

During discussions the participants addressed both the positive results of brining elections in the Organization member states in line with the commitments on holding democratic elections adopted within the OSCE, and facts of non-conformance with the provisions of the Copenhagen document of 1999 regarding elections.

Addressing the issues of preparation of the OSCE Summit in Astana the participants of discussions spoke for including topical issues of election process in the agenda of the Summit, supposing that this top-level forum would give impetus to improvement of the situation. A representative of Lithuania noted that Kazakhstan had vast experience in holding successfully corresponding activities. He also expressed gratitude to the Kazakh Government for high level of organization of the conference on improvement of democratic elections in September this year.