CEC holds online seminar for members of election commissions

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 20 October 2016, the Republican Press Center for the coverage of presidential elections played host to an online-mode seminar on the effective organization of activities of precinct election commissions for the elections of the President of Uzbekistan.

The event held in video-conference format was attended by members of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan, district electoral commissions, parliament, as well as scientists and experts in the field of electoral law, civil society, and representatives of the media.

The occasion was led by the Chairman of the Central Election Commission Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov. The participants discussed pressing tasks ahead of the forthcoming presidential ballot. It was noted that all the activities are undertaken in strict accordance with the national legislation and the Program of Major Activities on preparations for and holding of elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Electoral commissions operate in accordance with democratic principles as defined in the law: independence, legality, collective decision-making, transparency and justice.

It was noted that in the preparation and conduct of elections, important role is played by precinct election commissions. Under the legislation, the precinct election commission is created by the district election commission no later than forty days prior to the elections, composed by 5-19 members, including the chairperson, deputy chairperson and a secretary.

The mandates of precinct election commissions include compiling constituency (precinct) voter lists, familiarizing the electorate with the voter lists, reminding the wider public about the election day and the ballot premises, preparing the polling station, arranging for early voting for those who are unable to be present in their place of residence on the election day. In addition, the precinct electoral commission counts the votes, considers appeals and complaints about the course of the preparation for elections and organization of voting and takes decisions on them.

The seminar participants discussed issues pertinent to equipping the polling stations, setting up “Mother and Child” rooms and medical sites, creating necessary conditions for an effective work of commissions.

Detailed reports were made on the legal bases of funding the activities of precinct election commissions, on the peculiarities of compiling voter lists, on the organization and conduct of the ballot process, and procedures of early voting.

Seminar participants exchanged views on the aspects of working with international experts and local observers as well as the media, on the creation of necessary conditions for voters, the media’s role in ensuring the openness and transparency of the elections.

It was noted that the event is the initial one in a three-stage training workshops aimed at organizing the efficient work of electoral commissions. Similar training seminars are to be organized in the regions and districts around the country with the participation of members of the Central Electoral Commission and specialists.

Produced by the Central Election Commission together with the National TV and Radio Company of Uzbekistan, an educational film on the organization of effective activities of precinct election commissions was demonstrated to the participants of the event.

The questions raised during the seminar received due answers.