ODIHR Legal Reviews, Assessments and Guidelines

Opinion

• Urgent Opinion on the Draft Law on Political Parties of the Kyrgyz Republic (in English) [ 2020/06/13 | en | ] Russian version Summary

  Summary: At the outset, the Draft Law is a considerable improvement of the legal framework regulating political parties in the Kyrgyz Republic. It implements many recommendations previously made by OSCE/ODIHR and other organizations and aims at creating a permissive and transparent environment for the establishment and operation of political parties. At the same time, the Draft Law, at times, over-regulates internal party matters. The Draft Law could be further improved to close loopholes in funding of political parties, guarantee effective oversight and provide proportionate sanctions.

• Opinion on the Draft Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Political Parties (in English) [ 2020/04/08 | en | ] Russian version Summary

  Summary:  At the outset, OSCE/ODIHR welcomes the intention of the lawmakers to reform the legal framework for political party regulation in the Kyrgyz Republic and for pursuing legal reform in a manner that includes public consultation. The Draft Law contains several elements that are crucial for regulating political parties in line with international standards and good international practice. 

  However, some aspects of the Draft Law should be further improved in order to safeguard the rights to freedom of expression and free association, to not to unduly interfere with political parties’ internal activities and to further the political participation of all segments of society, including persons with disabilities, women or youth. In addition, it is recommended that some provisions of the Draft Law are revised to avoid the creation of loopholes that can be used to circumvent restrictions of political party finance or make political parties dependent on wealthy individuals. Further revisions are recommended to guarantee effective oversight, proportionate sanctions for violations and to ensure that the dissolution of a political party is a measure reserved only for the gravest violations under exceptional circumstances.
• Joint Opinion on the Draft Law on political parties of the Kyrgyz Republic [ 2009/06/25 | en | ] Russian version