CEC deputy chairman reported on the progress of preparations for the forthcoming elections, while emphasizing the importance of the Concept adopted in May this year of preparations and holding elections. It was noted that all political parties operating in the country – Adolat Social Democratic Party, Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party, Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan – have submitted the necessary documents to CEC and received clearance to participate in elections.

Political parties held conventions where they put forward their candidates for seats in Oliy Majlis. CEC has registered 517 candidates competing for 135 seats in the lower house of parliament.

As was noted during the meeting, CEC just concluded a series of regional and national meetings with chairmen of district election commissions to clarify the nature of innovations in the electoral legislation and the way the upcoming elections will be held.

In his turn, Rupert Joy said he was able to observe the quality of preparations for the elections during his visit to Farg’ona regional election commission.

“I had a very interesting meeting in Farg’ona with the electoral commission. I am convinced that the organization is in full swing. As you know, in my country, too, will soon be held parliamentary elections, and for me the process for elections to the parliament of Uzbekistan is very interesting. It is possible to compare electoral traditions and the work of the two parliaments. At the meeting in CEC, I learned a lot about the development of electoral processes in Uzbekistan, whose dynamics are positive. Uzbekistan makes all efforts to develop the parliamentary system,” said the British ambassador.

He also asked the representatives of CEC about chances for representatives of the British Embassy to participate as observers during the elections.
In accordance with the national electoral law, representatives from other states, international organizations and movements have the right to participate as observers in the run-up and holding of elections, as well as visit the premises for voting on the election day and vote counting. Their powers should be supported by relevant documents.

Interested organizations declare their observers in district electoral commissions on elections to the Legislative Chamber at least fifteen days prior to elections.

The district election commission, within five days of the receipt of application by an interested organization, provides the observer with the mandate whose model is established by the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“Our goal is to hold elections at a high democratic level. In early September, CEC sent invitations to several international organizations in over 40 countries for their observers,” said deputy chairman of the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan, Kuchkar Togaev.

UT