SCO mission starts observation of Uzbek presidential elections

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A mission of observers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) led by the Secretary-General of the SCO Rashid Alimov will observe presidential elections in Uzbekistan from 29 November to 5 December 2016.

The statement of the SCO said that Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan invited the SCO to observe the presidential elections.

The SCO said in a statement that invitation of the international observers to the presidential elections shows intention of the leadership of Uzbekistan to ensure maximum openness of the elections.

The SCO mission will conduct its function in line with the legislation of Uzbekistan and the regulation “On mission of observers from the SCO at presidential and/or parliamentary elections, as well as referendums” and adhere to political neutrality and non-interference to internal affairs.

The mission will include 20 people, who represents legislative, executive and election bodies of the member states of the SCO, as well as officials of the SCO Secretariat.

The SCO mission plans to visit maximum number of polling stations in all election constituencies of Uzbekistan.

The statement said that the mission plans to hold meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, chairperson and members of city, district election commissions, mass media, international observers, etc.

The mission is studying election legislation of Uzbekistan and monitoring mass media for almost a month.

The mission will complete its work with a statement on the results of observation of presidential elections.