A member of the Uzbek Central Electoral Committee [CEC], Komiljon Odilov, answers the question: "A person who represents a foreign state, an international organization or movement is registered by the CEC in accordance with the procedures set by the law, and gets the right to observe the preparations for and holding presidential elections of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

"The Central Electoral Committee registers and issues mandates to foreign (international) observers on proposals by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Authority of the foreign international observers begins from the day when the Central Electoral Committee issues a standard form of mandate and expires after the CEC officially announces the election results.

"Foreign (international) observers carry out their activities independently. Their expenses are covered by those states, organizations or movements which they represent.

"Activities of foreign (international) observers are regulated by Article 5 of the Law "On election of the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan" and relevant regulations of the Central Electoral Committee."

Source: Pravda Vostoka, BBC Monitoring