On 24 October 2023, the ODIHR Seminar on “Election Observation and Assessment of Election Administration” was held in Vienna, Austria. The event was opened by OSCE/ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci with an official video message to the Seminar participants.

The Chairperson of the Central Election Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic Ms. N.Shaildabekova took part in the Seminar as the only representative from the Central Asian region and made a report on the role of the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda of the Kyrgyz Republic in the implementation of key principles of election management in electoral reform. In her statement, she informed the Seminar participants about the measures being taken in Kyrgyzstan for legal improvement of elections, ensuring the legality and security of elections, the voter registration system, and improving the legal culture of the population through the introduction of local educational programs.

The reports of official representatives and experts of the OSCE participating States were also made during the Seminar, and discussions took place in two working sessions on the following two topics:

• International obligations, OSCE commitments, and other standards, as well as principles applicable to the organization of elections.

• The role of election management authorities and other stakeholders in implementing the key principles of election management.

Along with Kyrgyzstan, representatives of North Macedonia, Romania, and other countries shared positive experiences and best practices in the electoral process.

The Seminar, therefore, focused on the principles of effective election management and provided a favorable opportunity for delegations, election experts, election authorities, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders from OSCE participating States to discuss specific challenges related to the practical implementation of existing commitments and standards for democratic elections within the OSCE to ensure the legality, transparency, and inclusiveness of elections, which can be considered as a concrete positive contribution of the Seminar participants to improving the electoral process in the OSCE area.