OSCE/ODIHR mission visits Senate, Constitutional Court

Greeting the guests, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Svetlana Artikova emphasized that since independence it has been accumulated a positive experience for democratic elections that meet international electoral standards. Continuous improvement of the electoral legislation aim at further strengthening the guarantees of electoral rights of citizens, improving the national practice of organizing the elections.

Guests were acquainted with the activity of the upper house of parliament, which since January this year, holds its activity in the new composition.

It was noted that the country has consistently strengthened mechanisms for the realization of the constitutional principle of separation of powers into the legislative, executive and judiciary, improving the system of checks and balances, widening the powers and controlling functions of representative government in the center and in the regions.

Thus, democratic reforms have notably increased the role and significance of the parliament in the system of state power, strengthened its position and opportunities in the formation and realization of internal and foreign policy.

In turn, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR Observation Mission Cayetana de Zulueta, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome in the Senate, emphasized that the forthcoming elections are undoubtedly an important political event in the socio-political life of the country.

The activity of OSCE/ODIHR will enhance openness and transparency of the electoral process, its conduct in accordance with the national electoral legislation, international standards and norms.

On the same day, representatives of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission met with the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyar Mirbabaev.

During the meeting it was noted the importance of the amendments and additions to electoral legislation based on the Concept of further deepening of democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country. In particular, the discussion went around the amendments to Article 117 of the Constitution, according to which legal guarantees for the independence of the Central Election Commission as a constitutional body responsible for organizing and conducting elections were significantly strengthened.

It was emphasized that the election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan is being held in full compliance with the standards and requirements of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The guests were acquainted with the activity of the Constitutional Court, including the order of establishment, legal status and power of the court, the main principles of constitutional proceedings and other aspects. It was also announced the information on the process and results of judicial reforms conducted in the country.

The meeting was held in the manner of open dialogue and detail exchange of views.