DUSHANBE, April 9, 2014, Asia-Plus – The presentation of the Final Report of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the November 2013 presidential election and new developments in the electoral process of Tajikistan is the focus of an event that is taking place in Dushanbe today.  

According to the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, Ambassador Paraschiva Badescu and representatives from the Government of Tajikistan are leading the morning discussion, where the final report is being presented to electoral stakeholders.

The afternoon session, organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, will focus on recent developments in election administration, women´s representation and the proposed amendments to the Law on Elections to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament).

We will recall that in a preliminary statement released on November 7, the international observers noted that the November 6 presidential election in Tajikistan took place peacefully, but restrictive candidate-registration requirements resulted in a lack of pluralism and genuine choice.  Extensive state media coverage of the official activities of the incumbent president provided him with a significant advantage.  In a positive step, the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER) took measures to enhance the transparency and efficiency of election administration.  Significant shortcomings were reportedly noted on Election Day.