CIS parliament election observation mission starts in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK. Sept 14 (Interfax) - A CIS election observation mission kicked off in Kyrgyzstan on Monday, ahead of the October 4 parliamentary elections, at the invitation of the Kyrgyz Central Elections Commission, mission head, CIS Executive Committee First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Garkun has said.
In his words, 23 long-term election observers have come to Kyrgyzstan.
"They are tasked with preparing the arrival of 130 CIS short-term observers, who will come to Kyrgyzstan two or three days before the elections," Garkun said.
"The mission will study laws and monitor the election campaign and media coverage," he said.
The CIS election observation mission will be guided by the "principles of neutrality, non-interference in internal affairs, impartiality and strict compliance with laws," he said.
The short-term election observation mission will unite representatives of CIS parliaments, the CIS Parliamentary Assembly and diplomats.
"It will consist of competent and professional people," the mission head stated.
On election day, October 4, CIS observers will visit "the maximum number of polling stations" and their preliminary report will be ready the day after the ballot, Garkun said.
Fourteen political parties are participating in parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan. An OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission started working in Kyrgyzstan at the end of August.
