Electoral review process underway

In an effort to restore public trust in an electoral process following violations that marred the October 1999 elections, a round-table forum on the democractic process in Almaty has identified three issues to be addressed in subsequent meetings next year. The forum, hosted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and in close collaboration with the government and Central Election commission, decided to address the issues of transparency, the media, and appeals procedures in three further sessions in January, May and September 2001.

The round table in January will focus on the independence of election commissions, vote count and tabulation procedures, and public control of the Central Election Commission and subordinate commissions, a press release from the OSCE stated. The second, in May, will address the role of the mass media in an election campaign, including a possible code of conduct; and the September talks would consider an election appeals procedure, as well as responsibility/sanctions for violations of election legislation.

For further details, go to: http://www.osce.org/press