PRELIMINARY STATEMENT. Elections of deputies of local keneshes.
Bishkek, April 12, 2021, 3 PM.
Elections of deputies of local keneshes.
Bishkek, April 12, 2021 - "Common Cause": Preliminary Statement on the results of Nonpartisan Observation of the Elections of Deputies of Local Keneshes of the Kyrgyz Republic - The existing electoral system and formed political culture does not fully implement the principle of equality for political parties and candidates with different financial and other capabilities. The next election campaign shows that, as a rule, the winners are parties and candidates that have greater resources. The elections of deputies of local keneshes of the Kyrgyz Republic were generally held
peacefully, but the course of the elections was negatively affected by serious violations both during the voting and during the pre-election period. Abuse of voting outside the premises, violation of the secrecy of voting, influence on the will of voters, individual infringement of rights of the public observers during observation of procedures on voting day, vote-buying, and abuse of administrative resources tend to undermine public confidence in the election process as a whole.
Key findings and summary
The elections of deputies of local keneshes were held in a highly competitive environment. The emergence and participation of a large number of new parties in these elections should be noted, which may indicate an emerging demand in society for new faces with a progressive outlook in politics. At the same time, it should be said that under the existing system and political culture, the electoral campaign already shows that the rich parties are winning, and therefore it is recommended to think about introducing additional mechanisms to equalize opportunities between political parties and candidates. Besides, it is necessary to improve the law enforcement practice in relation to consideration of the violations occurring during the pre-election period and on the election day outside the polling stations, which may affect the voting results.
Registration of political parties and candidates took place with isolated cases of appeal. Despite the CEC's efforts to register voters, there are still a large number of voters who are not included in the voting process.
The election campaign took place in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic and the economic crisis; During the campaigning, cases of violation of campaign rules, vote-buying, pressure and threats on voters, the use of administrative resources, intimidation of observers were revealed. In particular, it should be noted that certain political parties actively involved the heads of district and house committees in campaigning in the cities of Bishkek and Osh, taking advantage of the undefined status of house and district committees. The highest competition, as well as the highest number of complaints, was noted in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. It was in these cities that during the pre-election period there were joint appeals of political parties regarding vote-buying and abuse of administrative resources used by individual political parties.
Even though the Foundation did not observe the referendum due to its late appointment, we cannot fail to note the following: firstly, elections to local keneshes were combined with a referendum on the new version of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, which caused controversy in the society; secondly, the combination of two electoral processes blurs the boundaries between them, and the established voting practice in which voters participate in two electoral processes by default without sufficient clarification of the voting procedures and the difference between the two election campaigns from the competent authorities negatively affects the electoral process as such; thirdly, such a quick appointment of a referendum does not allow one to fully familiarize oneself with the draft Constitution in the new edition and understand the importance of the amendments being introduced. During the pre-election period, there were opinions that the combination of the two electoral processes can help increase the turnout in order to recognize the referendum as valid. On election day, the participants in the electoral process repeatedly reported that PEC members were trying to issue a ballot paper for the referendum despite the voters' refusal to vote in the referendum; if they refused, the PEC members recorded and drew up acts on the refusal of voters to vote in the referendum.
Of the positive innovations, it should be noted that in these elections to local keneshes, for the first time, at least 30% of mandates for women in ayil keneshes are reserved. The implementation of this norm creates conditions for increasing the representation of women at the level of aiyl keneshes, where their representation is only 9.6%. Another innovation is the holding of televised debates, which is a positive moment in the coverage of party programs, especially for new and local parties. Besides, amendments were made to the electoral legislation regarding the financing of electoral funds, including the introduction of unified approaches to the procedure for opening special accounts of electoral funds, accounting, and spending of electoral funds, as well as the mandatory publication of financial reports on the CEC website. To create conditions for citizens to exercise their active suffrage, mobile PSCs were organized, which provided field documentation services, including a mobile collection of biometric data in 130 cities and aimaks.
The complaint handling process deserves special attention. Despite the presence of positive progress in the consideration and punishment for violations committed by political parties, (canceling the registration of candidates from political parties who violated the law, issuing warnings, and imposing fines) and informing about the response to violations and complaints, there are still complaints about the timeliness of consideration of complaints filed by individual TECs and the inconsistent practice of applying punishment in political parties and candidates for violations of the law. During the election campaign, many parties called for tougher penalties against political parties using vote-buying and administrative resources.
Voting outside the premises was generally peaceful, but with some such serious violations as violations of the secrecy of voting, influence on the expression of the will of voters, campaigning on the day of voting, isolated cases of infringement of the rights of observers, as well as registration of voters in the register for voting outside the premises without the knowledge of the voters themselves . In those cities where the number of voters for voting outside the premises was less, the process of on-site voting proceeded with practically no violations. Serious violations during voting outside the premises, which may affect the voting results, were observed in the cities of Bishkek and Osh, as noted by 7.4% of observers. In Bishkek, at 5.2% of polling stations, serious violations were recorded that could affect the voting results, in the city of Osh, at 14.1% of polling stations, serious violations were recorded. In total, 35 reports of violations were received from the Foundation's observers.
Election day was held under close public scrutiny. According to the independent observation of the Common Cause PF, on the day of elections of deputies of local keneshes in cities, the procedures for opening polling stations, voting, closing polling stations, and tabulating the results were carried out with procedural and serious violations, such as violation of the secrecy of voting, vote-buying, influence on the expression of the will of voters, infringement of the rights of observers, campaigning on the election day, violations of voting day procedures, as well as the presence of persons who cannot be at the polling station on voting day. The most violations were recorded during the voting, the fewest complaints from the Foundation's observers were about the procedures for opening, closing, and counting of votes. Equipment failures (smart ballot boxes and equipment for voter identification) were observed in almost half of the polling stations. Besides, we note the problems with the quality of voter lists in the local elections. So, in Bishkek, at 37.3% of precincts, there were cases when from 1 to 5 voters could not find themselves on the lists, in Osh this figure was 39.7%. We pay special attention to incomplete compliance with sanitary and epidemiological standards and requirements related to COVID-19 in one-fifth of the sites in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. Even though observers in the city of Bishkek more often reported infringements of their rights, in the city of Osh such cases were accompanied by more aggression.
Totally for the entire electoral process the Foundation:
Revealed - 255 violations
Submitted to the TEC - 128 complaints;
RRCG - 25 signals;
IAB units - 1 signal.
In conclusion, the “Common Cause” makes the following preliminary recommendations:
- Electoral disputes resolution bodies- objectively and promptly to complete the consideration of all applications and complaints received.
- Political parties and candidates are strongly encouraged to remain consistent with respect to the representation of women on political party lists in the distribution of mandates.
We express our gratitude to our observers, election commissions, law enforcement agencies, political parties, the media, and citizens for their support of independent observation.
The “Common Cause” PF will continue to monitor the process of summing up the results by the TECs and the political situation in the country in the post-election period. Based on the observation results, a final report will be issued, which will cover the pre-election period, indoor and outdoor voting days, and the post-election period.
Introduction
The “Common Cause” PF (hereinafter - the Foundation) monitored the preparation and elections of deputies in nine city keneshes: Bishkek, Osh, Tokmok, Kaindy, Karakol, Talas, Naryn, Jalal-Abad, and Batken.
The monitoring was carried out from March 15 to April 11, it covered the procedures for the nomination and registration of political parties, the activities of election commissions, procedures for the formation and updating of voter lists, the period of information and pre-election campaigning, procedures for voting outside the premises and voting in the premises, as well as identifying violations electoral legislation and filing applications (applications and complaints) to the appropriate authorities.
During the election days of April 10-11, the Foundation attracted 350 public observers, regional coordinators, and mobile teams to observe 416 polling stations. In the cities of republican significance - Bishkek, and Osh, stationary observers conducted observation at all 306 PECs. Mobile teams were observed at 110 PECs in the cities of Tokmok, Kaindy, Karakol, Talas, Naryn, Jalal-Abad, and Batken.
Observers of the Foundation experienced some difficulties in the registration process with precinct election commissions (PECs), but in the process of clarifying the situation, the problems were eliminated on the ground. As a result, all observers successfully registered.
Voting outside the premises
On April 10, 2021, was held the voting outside the premises for the election of deputies of local keneshes. A process of independent observation of the voting outside the premises was carried out by 283 PECs in Bishkek and Osh cities. Also, observation was carried out with the help of mobile teams at 31 sites in the cities of Karakol, Jalal-Abad, Talas, Naryn, Batken, Tokmok, and Kaindy.
The voting outside the premises was generally peaceful, but with some serious violations such as violation of the secrecy voting influence on voters’ expression of will, campaigning on the day of silence, isolated cases of infringement of the rights of observers, as well as registration of voters in the register for voting outside the premises without the knowledge of the voters themselves.
Demonstration of empty portable ballot boxes to those present
In Bishkek and Osh cities, at 98.2% of polling stations, the Foundation’s independent observers were shown empty portable ballot boxes for the voting outside the premises. In the city of Bishkek, empty portable ballot boxes were demonstrated at 99.1% of polling stations, and in Osh at 95.8% of polling stations.
Mobile team observers were shown empty portable ballot boxes in 100% of the observed sites.
Portable ballot boxes are sealed after demonstration to those present
99.3% of stationary observers in Bishkek and Osh noted that the portable ballot boxes were sealed with the seal of the Precinct Election Commission. In Bishkek city on 99.5% of polling stations, and Osh city on 98.6%.
The mobile team observers noted that the portable ballot boxes were sealed with the seal of the Precinct Election Commission in their presence in 100% of the monitored polling stations.
Checklist
Observers in Bishkek and Osh cities at 99.6% of PECs noted that the checklist was signed by everyone present at the site and dropped into a portable ballot box outside the premises. This procedure was followed by 100% of PECs in Bishkek and 98.5% of PECs in Osh.
100% of the mobile team observers noted that the checklist was signed by everyone present on the site and dropped into a portable ballot box outside the premises.
Compliance with precautions related to COVID-19
Precautions related to COVID-19 during the opening procedures were followed at 79.2% of sites in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. At 17.7% of sites in these cities, precautions were partially followed. Considering the city of Bishkek and Osh separately, it can be noted that in Bishkek, 82.1% of PECs fully followed precautions and 15.6% of PECs followed partial precautions/recommendations related to COVID-19. In Osh city, 70.4% of PECs fully complied with precautions, and 23.9% of PECs partially complied with COVID-19 precautions/recommendations.
The mobile teams’ observers at 77.4% of PECs noted full compliance with precautions/recommendations, and 22.6% of PECs observed only partial compliance with precautions/recommendations related to COVID-19.
Public observers’ rights
During the observation of the voting outside the premises, in some PECs, there were cases of impediment of observation or obtaining the necessary information for observation. Observers in Bishkek and Osh noted obstacles to observation at 3.3% of PECs, and at 96.7% of PECs, no obstacles were observed. The main share of obstacles to observation was noted in the city of Osh at 7% of the PECs of the southern capital.
100% of mobile team observers noted that there were no obstacles to observation.
Voter identification equipment failure
The majority of observers in the cities of Bishkek and Osh note that at 92% of PECs there were no cases when a voter was unable to vote due to a failure of equipment for voter identification. At 8% of PECs, there were from 1 to 5 cases of failure of voter identification equipment. In Bishkek, 7.4% of PECs, and in Osh, 9.9% of PECs, there were from 1 to 5 cases of voter identification equipment failure.
Observers of the mobile teams noted that there were no failures at 93.5% of PECs, but at 3.2% of PECs, it was reported from 1 to 10 cases of voter identification equipment failure.
The secrecy of the voting
The secrecy of the voting was observed at 96% of PECs in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. the secrecy of the voting was violated in Bishkek city at 4% of PECs and 11.3% of PECs in Osh city.
Observers of the mobile teams reported that the secrecy of the voting was fully respected at 100% of the PECs.
Registration of data in paper lists
At 100% of PECs, the voter data were registered on the voter paper list when the ballot was issued.
A mark "Voted outside the polling station"
99.3% of PECs in Bishkek and Osh had the mark “Voted outside the polling station”. In the city of Osh, at 2.8% of the PECs, this mark was not entered.
Observers of the mobile teams note that the mark “Voted outside the polling station” was entered at all polling stations observed.
Sealing the portable ballot box
The portable ballot box was sealed after the completion of the outdoor voting, as noted by 99.3% of observers, 0.7% of PECs noted that the portable ballot box was NOT sealed after the completion of outdoor voting.
Mobile teams observers estimated that 100% of the PECs had their ballot box sealed after the completion of outdoor voting.
Act on the end of voting outside the premises
At the end of voting outside the premises, 100% of monitored PECs drew up an act on the end of voting, as observers in places and observers of mobile teams noted.
Complaints from participants of the electoral process
Complaints from participants of the electoral process about the outdoor voting process were observed against 2.6% of PECs in the cities of Bishkek and Osh.
According to the mobile teams’ observers, there were no complaints about 100% of the observed PECs.
Serious violations
Some serious violations were observed, as noted by 7.4% of observers in the cities of Bishkek and Osh, at 92.6% of PECs no violations were recorded. In Bishkek, at 5.2% of polling stations, serious violations were recorded that could affect the voting results, in the city of Osh, serious violations were recorded at 14.1% of polling stations.
Observers of the mobile teams recorded that serious violations were recorded at 3.2% of PECs. There were no such violations at 96.8% of PECs.
Election day
The "Common Cause" Public Foundation carries out independent observation at all 306 polling stations in the cities of republican significance - Bishkek (228 PECs) and Osh (78 PECs). Besides, mobile teams reached about 110 PECs in the cities of Karakol, Jalal-Abad, Talas, Naryn, Batken, Tokmok, and Kaindy.
Election day was held under close public scrutiny. According to the independent observation of the “Common Cause” PF, on the day of elections of deputies of local keneshes in cities, the procedures of opening polling stations, the voting process, closing polling stations, and tabulating the results were carried out with some procedural and serious violations, such as violation of the secrecy of the voting, vote-buying, influence on voters’ expression of the will, infringement of the rights of observers, violations of procedures on voting day, as well as the presence of persons who cannot be at the polling station on voting day.
Start of PEC meetings to hold the opening procedures:
Independent observers were admitted to 100% of the observation sites in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. According to the data received, the meeting of the Precinct Election Commission began at different times. In Bishkek, the main share of observers notes that at 62.3% of PECs the meeting began at 7:00-7:30 am, for 19.3% of sites - the meeting began before 7 am and for 17.5% of sites after 7:30 am.
In the city of Osh, the meeting of the Precinct Election Commission at 47.4% of sites began after 7:30 am, in 39.7% the PEC meeting began at 7: 00-7: 30 am, at 12.8% of sites it began before 7 a.m.
Compliance with recommendations related to COVID-19 during procedures:
According to the reports of Bishkek observers, 79.8% of PECs complied with all precautions, and 19.7% of sites complied with precautions partially.
In the city of Osh, 84.6% followed all recommendations related to COVID-19, 12.8% followed partial precautions.
Accessibility of PECs for people with limited mobility (availability of ramps and handrails):
Observers noted that 68% of polling stations of Bishkek city are accessible to people with limited mobility.
Osh city observers noted that 80.8% of Osh polling stations are equipped with ramps and handrails for people with limited mobility.
Draw:
Observers in the city of Bishkek note that in 95.6% of polling stations the drawing of lots was carried out following the law, respectively, in 4.4% of stations, this procedure was not carried out.
Observers from Osh city noted that lots were drawn at all 100% of the polling stations following the law.
Demonstration of empty ballot boxes:
Observers from Bishkek and Osh cities noted that empty ballot boxes were demonstrated at all 100% of PECs.
Ballot boxes are sealed after demonstration:
Observers from Bishkek and Osh cities noted that at 98.7% of PECs, ballot boxes were sealed after the demonstration.
Checklist:
The checklist was signed by all those present at the polling station and dropped into the ballot box, as observers noted at 95.6% of polling stations in Bishkek and 97.4% of polling stations in Osh.
Did the observers receive an ARBB zero receipt?
In 98.7% of polling stations in Bishkek, independent observers received the ARBB zero receipt, at 1.3% of polling stations this receipt was not issued by PEC members.
In the city of Osh, observers received the ARBB zero receipt at 97.4% of PECs, respectively, at 2.6%, the ARBB zero receipt was not issued.
A recount of ballots by PECs received from TECs:
At 94.3% of PECs in Bishkek city, ballots received by PECs from TECs during the opening procedure were recounted, while at 5.7% there was no recount.
In the city of Osh, ballot papers were recounted at 93.6% of PECs, respectively, at 6.4% there were no recounts.
Observers rights:
Foundation’s observers at 99.1% of PECs in Bishkek city did not encounter any infringement of their rights while observing the opening procedures.
In the city of Osh, 96.2% of PECs cases of infringement of the rights of public observers were not observed, however, at 3.8% sites were noted infringements of the rights of public observers.
Opening of polling stations:
After all the opening procedures were completed, 79.8% of polling stations in Bishkek opened for voting at 8:00, 17.5% of polling stations opened before 8:00 in the morning, 2.6% of polling stations opened after 8:00.
Observers from the city of Osh noted that 80.8% of polling stations opened at exactly 8:00 am, 14.1% of sites opened before 8:00 am, 5.1% of sites opened after 8:00 am.
Results of observation of mobile teams in the regions
On election day, 25 mobile teams visited 25 PECs in the cities of Karakol, Jalal-Abad, Talas, Naryn, Batken, Tokmok, and Kaindy and assessed the opening procedures.
All observers were allowed to the polling station for observation. The meeting at 6 polling stations began before 07:00 am, at 15 PECs the meeting was between 07:00 and 07:30, in the remaining 4 PECs the meeting began at 7:30. COVID-19 recommendations were followed during the opening procedures at 23 PECs.
In Talas, at polling station №6108 and in Jalal-Abad, at polling station №2400, there was no recount of the ballots received by the PEC from the TEC during the opening procedures.
All 25 PECs visited by our observers demonstrated empty ballot boxes (ARBB etc.) and issued ARBB zero receipts, checklists were signed and dropped into the voting box (ARBB, etc.) at 23 PECs. The rights of our observers were not infringed upon during the observation of the opening procedures.
Voting process
Cases of intimidation, pressure or intimidation of voters:
Observers in the city of Bishkek noted cases of intimidation, pressure, or intimidation of voters at 0.4% of PECs; at 99.6% of PECs, such cases were not recorded.
In the city of Osh, observers recorded cases of pressure on voters in 2.6% of polling stations.
Violation of the secrecy of voting during the voting process:
Violation of the secrecy of voting was observed at 6.2% of PECs in Bishkek and 7.7% of PECs in Osh. The largest percentage of observers noted that the secrecy of the vote was not violated.
Infringement of the rights of public observers during the observation of the voting process:
Observers from the city of Bishkek noted that in 3.1% of polling stations, the rights of a public observer were infringed upon during observation. At 96.9%, violations were not observed.
In the city of Osh, at 98.7% of the polling stations, there was no infringement of the rights of public observers.
Compliance with PEC recommendations related to COVID-19:
On average, 73% of observers in Bishkek and Osh cities noted that PECs followed absolutely all recommendations related to COVID-19. At one-fifth of the PECs monitored, precautions were only partially observed.
Voter Compliance with COVID-19 Recommendations:
In 68% of polling stations in the cities of Bishkek and Osh, voters themselves complied with all precautions related to COVID-19. In 29% of sites, precautions were partially observed.
The presence of a queue at the polling stations during the voting process:
Observers in the city of Bishkek note that at 23.6% of polling stations there were constant queues during the voting process, at 45.3% of PECs queues were observed only occasionally.
In the city of Osh, observers note that at 46.2% of PECs there were constant queues, at 32.1% there were sometimes queues.
Technical failures of equipment for voter identification and/or ARBB:
In the city of Bishkek, 55.1% of PECs had no technical battles, 27.6% of PECs experienced ARBB failures, 8% had failures of identification equipment, and 9.3% of precincts had failures of both ARBB and identification equipment.
In the city of Osh, at 48.7% of PECs there were no technical battles, at 38.5% of PECs there were failures of the ARBB, at 10.3% there were failures of equipment for identification, and at 2.6% of precincts, there were failures of both ARBB and equipment for identification.
Several voters who were able to find themselves on the lists:
In Bishkek, at 43.1% of the polling stations, there were no voters who could not find themselves on the lists, at 37.3% of polling stations there were from 1 to 5 such cases, at 10.2% of PECs - from 6 to 10, at 9.3 % of PECs - more than 10 cases.
In Osh, at 38.5% of the polling stations, there were no voters who could not find themselves on the lists, at 39.7% of polling stations there were from 1 to 5 such cases, at 14.2% of PECs - from 6 to 10, at 7.7 % of PECs - more than 10 cases.
The number of voters who could not vote due to a technical failure of the equipment:
At 92.4% of the Bishkek PECs, there were no technical equipment failures that prevented voters from voting. At 7.1% of polling stations, from 1 to 5 people were recorded who could not vote due to a technical failure.
At 83.3% of Osh PECs, there were no technical equipment failures due to which voters were unable to vote. At 14.1% of polling stations, from 1 to 5 people were recorded who could not vote due to a technical failure.
The presence of cases when the voter was allowed to vote without passing identification:
The majority of observers from the cities of Bishkek and Osh note that in the polling stations observed there were no cases when a voter was allowed to vote without passing identification. Only in the city of Bishkek, there were 0.9% of such cases.
The presence of cases when a voter was allowed to vote even though he was not on the voter list:
The majority of observers from the cities of Bishkek and Osh note that in the polling stations observed there were no cases when a voter was allowed to vote, even though he was not on the list. Only in the city of Bishkek, there were 0.9% of such cases.
Replacing the ARBB with a stationary ballot box:
At 95% of PECs in the cities of Bishkek and Osh, the ARBB was not replaced with a stationary box.
The presence of persons who do not have the right to be on the site:
In the city of Bishkek, at 97.3% of the polling stations, there were no persons who did not have the right to be at the site, however, at 2.7% of the polling stations, such cases were recorded.
In the city of Osh, at 92.3% of the polling stations, there were no persons who did not have the right to be at the site, however, at 7.7% of the polling stations, such cases were recorded.
Closure of a polling station:
In the cities of Bishkek and Osh, a large proportion of polling stations closed at 20:00. In the city of Osh, 6.4% of PECs closed by 20:00.
Counting and closing procedures
Providing the opportunity to vote to voters who are inside the polling stations at 20:00:
Observers in the city of Bishkek noted that there were no voters in 59.4% of polling stations at 20:00. However, it was noted by 40.6% that all voters who remained in the premises after the closure were able to vote.
In the city of Osh, observers noted that there were no voters in 51.6% of the polling stations after the closure of the polling station. At 46.9%, all remaining voters were able to vote after closing. Only at 1.6% of the polling stations, only a few were able to vote.
There is a queue OUTSIDE the polling station at 20:00:
At the time of the closure of the polling station, observers in Bishkek noted that there were no queues outside at 96.4% of PECs. At 3.6% of PECs, there was a queue outside the premises.
In Osh city, there were no queues outside at 87.5% of PECs. However, at 12.5% of polling stations, there was a queue outside the polling station.
Unused ballots have been recounted and canceled following the law:
In fact, in all districts of Bishkek and Osh cities, unused ballots were recounted and canceled in accordance with the law. Only 1% of PECs in Bishkek did not have this action at all.
Work with the list has been done:
Work with lists was carried out on 100% of the observed polling stations.
Obtaining a certified report of the automatically reading ballot box:
100% of all monitored sites received a certified auto-read ballot box / ARBB report.
Open and transparent manual counting:
In fact, in all sections of the cities of Bishkek and Osh, manual counting was carried out openly and publicly. Only 0.5% of PECs in Bishkek did not have this action at all.
A total number of registered complaints during the voting process during the day:
The total number of registered complaints during the voting process was 147 - Bishkek (110), Osh (37)
Consideration of all complaints before signing the protocol:
In the city of Bishkek, at 29.9% of PECs, complaints were considered before signing the protocol, at 2% of PECs, complaints were considered after the protocol was signed. There were no complaints at 68% of the polling stations.
In the city of Osh, at 38.1% of the PECs, complaints were considered before the signing of the protocol, at 60.9% of precincts, there were no complaints.
Obtaining a certified copy of the protocol of manual counting based on the voting results:
Certified copies of the manual counting protocol were obtained at 99.5% of PECs in Bishkek and 98.4% of PECs in Osh.
PEC adherence to COVID-19 related recommendations in closure and counting procedures:
Observers estimate that 67% of Bishkek PECs followed full COVID-19 precautions/guidelines during their closing and counting procedures. 32% of the precautions were partially followed. At 1% of PECs, precautions were not observed at all.
Full COVID-19 precautions/guidelines were followed at 75% of Osh PECs. At 23.4%, the precautions were partially observed. At 1.6% of PECs, precautions were not observed at all.
Infringement of the rights of the public observer during the observation of the closing and counting procedures:
At most PECs in Bishkek and Osh cities, the rights of observers were not infringed upon while observing the closure and counting procedures. At 2% of PECs in Bishkek city and 3.1% of PECs in Osh city, observers felt that their rights were infringed.
Socio-political situation
Elections to local keneshes were held in a highly competitive environment, while the emergence and participation of a large number of new parties should be noted, which may indicate an emerging demand in society for new faces with a progressive outlook in politics.
The pre-election campaign took place against the backdrop of a worsening economic situation, in connection with an increase in prices for food, fuel, and lubricants and a decrease in the level of income of the population. Along with the appointment of elections of deputies to local keneshes, a referendum on the Constitution was called, which caused controversy in the society. It should be noted that this is the third referendum scheduled simultaneously with another election campaign, and one of the official reasons voiced by the deputies is budget savings. However, such a quick appointment of a referendum a month before the vote leaves it without due attention and does not fully understand the significance of the changes introduced in the referendum on the new edition of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic.
According to the observation data, the socio-political situation in the country during the election period was relatively calm, a tense situation is noted in two cities of republican significance. In Bishkek, due to the worsening epidemiological situation, public safety, rallies, and increased competition between parties. In the city of Osh due to aggravated relations between political parties.
In the other seven cities monitored, Batken, Jalal-Abad, Kaindy, Karakol, Naryn, Talas, Tokmok, the socio-political situation before and on election day was relatively calm.
Differences in elections of deputies to local keneshes
Distinctive features of elections of deputies to local keneshes are:
- For the first time, a new rule on single voting days is being implemented en masse; in accordance with the law adopted in 2019, elections to local keneshes are held twice a year. Subsequently, all elections to local keneshes will be held only on these two days in April and October.
- At these elections, it is also an innovation to reserve at least 30% of mandates for women in ayil keneshes. The implementation of this norm creates conditions for increasing the representation of women at the level of aiyl keneshes, where the representation of women is only 9.6%.
- In connection with the introduction of new campaigning rules, for the first time in local elections, in addition to the free broadcasts on state TV channels, parties took part in televised debates, which is a positive moment in the coverage of party programs, this is especially true for new and local parties. At least half of the total amount of allocated airtime is allocated for joint debates and other similar campaigning events. Political parties registered in the cities are provided with regional broadcasting organizations to conduct debates.
- It should also be noted that amendments were made to the electoral legislation regarding the financing of electoral funds, including the introduction of uniform approaches to the procedure for opening special accounts of electoral funds, accounting and spending of electoral funds, as well as a ban on donations and mandatory publication of financial reports on the website. CEC.
- Regarding the improvement of the voter lists, constant updating and posting on the Tizme portal (previously, only before the elections) is being implemented, as well as an increase in the terms of clarification in the elections by 20 days compared to 2017. At the same time, the voter list was available for review not only during the elections but also in the inter-election time. The possibility of electronic submission of applications through the "voter's office" on the Tizme portal was also introduced, as well as the improvement of the possibilities for submitting biometric registration. In order to increase the involvement of citizens in the electoral process, mobile PSCs were organized, which provided field documentation services, including the mobile collection of biometric data.
Pre-election period and campaigning
The election campaign also took place in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic and a decrease in economic activity; during the campaign, cases of violation of campaign rules, vote-buying, pressure and threats on voters, and the use of administrative resources were revealed.
In particular, it should be noted that certain political parties actively involved the heads of district and house committees in campaigning in the cities of Bishkek and Osh, taking advantage of the undefined status of house and district committees.
The election campaign started on March 12, 2021. The Foundation's observers note that the election campaign for the elections of deputies of local keneshes was held in conditions of high competition in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. In the other seven cities, campaigning was relatively calm, with moderate competition, but some irregularities tend to affect election results.
Territorial election commissions have registered lists of candidates of 56 parties out of 59 who submitted notifications of their intention to take part in the elections of local keneshes. 25 parties were registered in the city of Bishkek, in the city of Osh - 9 parties, in the city of Batken - 9, in the city of Jalal-Abad - 5, in the city of Kaindy - 6, in the city of Karakol - 17, in the city of Naryn - 9, in Talas - 11, in Tokmok - 5.
The Foundation held meetings with representatives of political parties, during which the parties were questioned. The results showed that all interested parties were able to register and participate in the elections of local keneshes. The Social Democrats Party stressed that it is necessary to consider the possibility of reducing the multiple duplications of documents at different stages of registration. In particular, they had to fill out almost identical forms numbered 5, 6, 11, 12.
Parties in general were free to conduct their election campaigns, but they lacked financial and organizational resources. In the pre-election campaign, parties with great financial capabilities were more active. The most popular types of campaigning were door-to-door rounds, distribution of leaflets, brochures, installation of posters and billboards. Campaigning in various social media is becoming more and more popular.
The campaign lacked quality indicators regarding program platforms of parties, and discussions focused more on party leaders and personalities representing parties and recriminations. A qualitative analysis of the party programs showed that they did not correspond to the goals and objectives of the city keneshes, and often the party programs were based on promises that, on the whole, are not included in the functions of the city kenesh. Despite the efforts made by the Central Election Commission, some parties did not present their programs at all and their programs are not on the Talapker website.
There were also statements from parties about the damage to campaign materials, the use of administrative resources, vote-buying, and restrictions on campaigning in some areas of cities. The confrontation between parties in the city of Osh causes concern, where the pre-election period was accompanied by rallies and statements by four parties about the use of administrative resources and pressure on competitors. And the fact that in the city of Osh the head of the Osh TEC was changed 3times during the pre-election period, speaks of the level of tension in the situation.
The legislation generally provides a level of transparency in campaign financing and equal conditions for competition among parties, but some aspects remain unregulated.
Whereas, 12 other parties participate in elections in six or more cities. The political party "Ata-Jurt Kyrgyzstan" was registered in 21 out of 28 city keneshes. 11 parties nominated lists in 6 and more cities (Birge - Vmeste Muras, Aikol-Kyrgyzstan, Asman Ala-Too, Ata-Meken, Vlast’ Narodu, Party of Greens of Kyrgyzstan, Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan, Reforma, Socialist Party of Kyrgyzstan, Uluu Kyrgyzstan ").
Certain political parties in the city of Osh noted pressure on agitators. In the cities of Bishkek and Osh, representatives of district and house committees played a significant role in the pre-election period, the activity and position of which caused heated discussions in the CEC and became one of the most discussed issues during campaigning in the public space.
After considering several complaints, the RRCG called on representatives of house committees to refrain from illegal actions during the elections and warned of criminal liability for violating the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, provided for by Articles: 192 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic “Vote-buying” - punishable by a fine of 180,000 to 260,000 soms or imprisonment up to 2 years 6 months and 87-1 of the Misdemeanor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic "Misuse of Administrative Resources" - a fine from 30,000 to 60,000 soms with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities.
The allocation of free airtime by state-owned broadcasting companies provided a campaign platform for political parties in large cities: Bishkek and Osh and cities of regional significance, but in smaller cities such as Tokmok and Kaindy, parties did not get access to television due to the lack of local TV companies.
According to the drawing of lots in the Bishkek TEC, the debates were held from 5 to 9 April, every day six parties spoke, on the last day seven parties participated in the debates. Also this year, for the first time, independent debates took place live on the Internet, the first to be attended by the NDPK and Reforma parties.
In the city of Osh the broadcast was provided by the State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company "ElTR" The rest of the parties that took part in the elections in the cities of regional significance received broadcasts from the regional media centers.
Voter list
Over 3.3 million citizens were included in the final voter list for local elections. Despite the measures taken to increase the inclusiveness of citizens in elections, in the country as a whole, more than 300 thousand citizens remain without biometric data, therefore they are not included in the voting process.
As of April 1, 2021, the number of voters in the final voter list for the elections of deputies of local keneshes is: 3,318,130 voters, of which 1,587,598 are men, 1,730,532 are women, or 47.85% and 52.15%, respectively. The final voter lists for the elections of local keneshes of the Kyrgyz Republic were formed on April 1, 2021, and posted at all polling stations in the country, as well as on the electronic portal of voters "Tizme" (tizme.gov.kg).
According to the CEC of the Kyrgyz Republic, as of April 1, 2021, the total number of voters in the Kyrgyz Republic is 3,606,201 people. Compared to the early presidential elections held on January 10, 2020, there is an increase in voters by 49,337 people.
Violations of the pre-election period
As of April 9, 2021, public observers of the Common Cause PF sent information on 54 identified violations. Of these, 8 on the use of administrative resources, pressure, threats, and violence; 20 - in cases of bribery; 26 - in cases of violations of the election campaign. On 2 violations, the information was transferred to the Rapid Response Coordination Group (CEC) formed at the CEC.
- Administrative resource, pressure, threats, violence: in relation to the Political Party "Ata-Zhurt Kyrgyzstan" - 4; The political party "Uluttar Birimdigi" - 2; Aikol political party - 1; Political party "Emgek" - 1.
By regions: Osh - 6; Talas - 1; Tokmok - 1.
- Vote-buying: in relation to the Political Party "Ata-Zhurt Kyrgyzstan" - 4; The political party "Uluttar Birimdigi" - 2; The political party "Yntymak" - 2; The political party "Yiman Nuru" - 1; The political party "Onuguu-Progress" - 2; The political party "Respublika" - 1; The political party "Emgek" - 4; The political party "People's Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan" - 1; The political party "Biilik elge" - 1; not known in favor of which political party - 2.
By region: Bishkek - 7;. Osh - 6; Talas - 3; Jalal-Abad - 1;. Batken - 1; Naryn - 2.
- Violation of the rules of pre-election promotion: in relation to the Political Party "Asyl Muras-Zhashtar" - 2; The political party "Ata-Zhurt Kyrgyzstan" - 6; The political party "Yntymak" - 3; The political party "Uluttar Birimdigi" - 3; The political party "Party of the Greens of Kyrgyzstan" - 1; Political Party "Amanat" - 1; The political party "Bir-Bol" - 2; The political party "Our People" - 1; The political party "Uluu-Zhurt" - 2; The political party "Yiman Nuru" - 1; Ishenim political party - 1; The political party "Onugu-Progress" - 1; The political party "Republic" - 1; it is not known in favor of which political party - 1.
By region: Bishkek - 3; Osh - 16; Talas - 4; Batken - 1; Kara-Kol - 1; Jalal-Abad - 1.
Social media monitoring
On April 11, on the election day, through manual monitoring and analysis of online content on several pages, the foundation found 55 messages on social networks about alleged violations of the electoral process throughout the country, of which: 15 reports of vote-buying, 4 reports of the use of administrative resources, 9 reports of pressure/threats against voters and candidates, 5 reports of manipulation of ballots, 2 reports of violation of voting secrecy, 5 reports of campaigning on the election day and 15 reports of other violations by PEC officials and political parties. The largest number of reports (5) was about alleged violations by the Ata-Jurt Kyrgyzstan party. Mostly, there were reports of alleged violations in the cities of Bishkek and Osh, as well as in the Jalal-Abad region. As of 11 of April, of the 55 reports of alleged violations found by the foundation on social networks, the Central Election Commission accepted 9 violations for consideration, according to the register of complaints and violations at the elections of deputies of local keneshes of the Kyrgyz Republic and at the referendum of the Kyrgyz Republic on April 11, 2021, published on the CEC website.
There was also very high activity in the media on election day. On April 11, four media portals (Kaktus, Kloop, Sputnik, and 24 kg) published a total of 189 articles on the topic of elections to local keneshes, among which most of the publications were also devoted to the violations during the electoral process.
