The Kyrgyz Republic’s December 16 Parliamentary Elections

The United States is seriously concerned about the conduct of the December 16 parliamentary elections in the Kyrgyz Republic. While we saw some promising elements such as accreditation of election observers and diverse candidate participation, our assessment concurs with many of the preliminary findings and conclusions of independent observers such as the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe that stated the election failed to meet many of the Kyrgyz Republic's international commitments, and was marred by significant obstacles for opposition parties and the use of government resources to benefit specific political interests. Uncertainty over election rules, widespread vote count irregularities and exaggerations in voter turnout, late exclusions from voter lists, and the revision of precinct protocols prevented a more open and democratic election.

The Kyrgyz Republic has made encouraging strides in democratic reform since becoming an independent nation. Greater transparency and respect for election laws and procedures are vital to the Kyrgyz people’s aspirations for a more open and democratic nation. The United States remains committed to working with the Government and people of the Kyrgyz Republic in these areas.