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Despite certain positive steps, Tajikistan’s parliamentary elections failed to meet many key OSCE commitments

01 March 2010 15:34 (UTC +04:00)

Dushanbe - APA. Yesterday’s parliamentary elections took place peacefully, but despite certain small positive steps failed to meet many key OSCE commitments, the international election observation mission concluded in a preliminary statement issued today.The observers noted that higher-level election commissions were more inclusive than in previous elections. But they also highlighted serious irregularities on election day, including a high prevalence of family and proxy voting and cases of ballot box stuffing.The election law included significant shortcomings such as insufficient guarantees for an inclusive and pluralistic composition of election commissions and lack of safeguards relating to voter registration, campaigning and election day procedures.Despite efforts to promote public awareness, the election campaign had a low profile. Some parties and candidates provided voters with political alternatives. Instances of violations or inconsistent application of campaign regulations hindered the establishment of a level playing field. While the pre-election media environment appeared to have been less controlled, state television news coverage of campaign activities was almost completely absent, limiting voters’ ability to make an informed choice.