Statement of Public Foundation "Common Cause", Association of Legal Entities "Taza Shailoo Association", “EAGL” Public Foundation, and Public Association "Agency of Social Technologies"
Public Foundation "Common Cause", Association of Legal Entities "Taza Shailoo Association", “EAGL” Public Foundation and Public Association "Agency of Social Technologies", carrying out nonpartisan observation of the parliamentary elections in the Kyrgyz Republic, express concern and condemn the assault on the candidate of "Ata Meken" political party Omurbek Chirkeshovich Tekebaev.
Such incidents pose a threat to the freedom of speech and the security of all participants of the electoral process.
Assault on candidates during an election campaign is an unacceptable act of political violence and seriously undermines the spirit of free elections, where candidates and political party leaders should be able to freely express their opinions, including their critical stance. Free competition, criticism, differences in opinions and opposition are a prerequisite for any democratic state.
We urge law enforcement agencies to conduct an open, transparent and objective investigation into this incident and other similar facts of violence, threats and intimidation during election campaigns in all regions of the republic.
