ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 15th Dec, 2019) The Republic of Uzbekistan has welcomed more than 600 foreign observers to monitor the country’s parliament elections to be held on 22nd December.
The foreign observers hailing from 50 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as from several international organisations, will watch the election campaign and voting, said a statement issued by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi.
All polling stations will be open to foreign observers. The formation and development of a modern electoral system that meets democratic requirements have been gradual in Uzbekistan.
In accordance with generally recognised principles and norms of international law, a legislative framework has been formed that guarantees citizens the right to elect their representatives or be elected to the representative bodies of the state.
The elections are held under the new Election Code of Uzbekistan that came into force on 26th June 2019. This code has combined the laws regulating the elections to local bodies, parliament and the highest office of the president.
The code consisting of 18 chapters and 103 articles are based on the core idea of free elections and fundamental principles such as universal and equal suffrage, secret ballot, openness and direct elections to some important positions, including the president.
The foreign observer will have the right to watch all events associated with the preparation and conducting of elections, and voting at polling stations and subsequent counting of votes.
On 22nd December, the elections to the deputies to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, or the Supreme Assembly, of the Republic of Uzbekistan and for deputies to the local Kengash (Council) of the people's deputies will be held. These elections will be held for the first time in accordance with the new Election Code.
The Code also stipulates a single electronic voters’ list that aims to ensure implementation of equal suffrage, guaranteeing one vote for all citizens. The code was developed incorporating recommendations of the relevant global organisations.
An independent election commission with broad powers and modern technical equipment has come up as per the new election code, which will ensure the voting rights of the citizens, said the embassy's statement.
