KYRGYZSTAN BECAME PARTIALLY DEMOCRATIC

A1+
11-07-2005

Yesterday Kyrgyzstan elected a new President. His name is Kurmanbek
Bakiev. The International Election Observation Mission which followed
the course of Presidential elections held after the long period of
agitations published today preliminary findings and conclusions about
the elections.

`The 10 July Kyrgyz presidential election marked tangible progress
towards meeting OSCE and other international commitments for
democratic elections, although the vote count proved to be
problematic. Fundamental civil and political rights were generally
respected and there was an improved media environment.’

Albert Jan Maat, Head of the European Parliament delegation, said:
“This election was a step forward, even though it was not without
flaws. Electionday was a sign of this. Now the European Union faces
the challenge of supporting further strengthening of democracy in
Kyrgyzstan.”