16 Oct 2017 12:54

Kyrgyz presidential election competitive, yet some problems exist - OSCE/ODIHR

BISHKEK. Oct 16 (Interfax) - The Kyrgyz presidential election was competitive, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR short-term election observation mission, Azai Guliyev, said at a press briefing in Bishkek on Monday.

"The election was well organized; nonetheless, there were isolated problems," he said.

These problems were connected to the equality of the candidates, the impartiality of the Central Elections Commission, and some procedural issues, such as the distribution of ballots, among the problems, Guliyev said.

"The constitution of Kyrgyzstan guarantees free speech, but claims against media outlets led to censorship and certain complications," he said.