"Were free and open" — the conclusions of the CIS observers at the elections in Turkmenistan
The CIS observer mission has prepared a draft statement on the results of monitoring the parliamentary elections in Turkmenistan, which will be published after the official approval of the results of the election campaign by the relevant authorities, and in the meantime, the head of the mission, CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev, told reporters about the main conclusions reached by observers who have been working in the country since March 8 and visited all regions.
— The preparations for the elections were quite organized, clearly, the rich experience of the Central Election Commission already affected. We have already been to Turkmenistan for elections many times and we have the opportunity to compare," Lebedev said at a briefing held with the participation of international observers and media representatives.
The CIS Secretary General named two significant differences between the current elections and the previous ones. First, the organization of the campaign has improved qualitatively, voter registration has become more accurate, which practically eliminated technical errors in the compilation of lists that were freely available at all polling stations. information work with voters has improved. And the second, most important difference, in his opinion, is the increase in the maturity of the electorate, which is typical for both Turkmenistan and other CIS countries.
At the same time, Lebedev also noted the high-quality design of polling stations, including the availability of information materials, equipment, including allowing for a live broadcast with access to the website of the CEC of Turkmenistan. He also highlighted a characteristic feature of the elections in Turkmenistan – the festive atmosphere of the event.
This is already a good tradition that should be preserved further, said the head of the observer mission, who reacted positively to the fact that music was played at many sites they visited, buffets worked, medical offices were also prepared, which, fortunately, no one needed, but as a fact added a plus to the overall organization voting procedures.
Sergey Lebedev also spoke about the constructive contacts that the observers' headquarters had with the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prosecutor General's Office, the Supreme Court, which created an opportunity for more thorough monitoring, during which no violations affecting the election results were revealed.
— In general, the elections were held on an alternative basis and at a high organizational level, were free and open, in accordance with national legislation and internationally recognized norms of democratic elections, — Lebedev said.
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