On the Kyrgyz Republic’s Parliamentary Elections
As delivered by Political Counselor Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
January 27, 2021
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The United States appreciates the Kyrgyz delegation raising their November 2021 parliamentary elections. We congratulate the people of the Kyrgyz Republic for exercising their civil and political rights despite challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The OSCE election observation mission noted in its preliminary report that the election process was competitive and fundamental freedoms were generally respected, but the report expressed concerns about the lack of meaningful voter engagement, constitutional changes weakening parliament, limitations on the exercise of civil and political rights, and the diminished separation of powers and independence of the judiciary. We call on Kyrgyz authorities to investigate and address all alleged procedural violations and other irregularities in a transparent and timely manner.
The United States looks forward to working with the people of the Kyrgyz Republic and their elected representatives in the Jogorku Kenesh’s new convocation to advance matters of mutual interest, including the defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms, strengthening democratic institutions, respect for the role of civil society and independent media, addressing climate change, and promoting economic prosperity and regional peace and security.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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