SCO mission starts work in the Kyrgyz Republic

An Observer Mission from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has begun monitoring the preparations and conduct of the early elections of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and a referendum on the form of government in the republic, scheduled for 10 January 2021, at the invitation of the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Mission regards the invitation of international observers as manifestation of the Kyrgyz Republic's interest in the widest openness, transparency and democracy of the upcoming vote.

The Mission, which includes representatives of the legislative, executive and electoral bodies of the SCO member states, as well as SCO diplomats and SCO Secretariat officials, is headed by the SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov.

The Mission members will set up observation posts in Bishkek, as well as in other cities and towns in Kyrgyzstan.

The Mission will inspect how well the polling stations are prepared, will observe the voting process and the election campaign, will count votes, conduct exit polls and interview the candidates' representatives and other observers.