The transition from conflict to peace in Central Asia, particularly in Kyrgyzstan, necessitates establishing democratic governance and pursuing transitional justice. Free and fair elections are essential in this process, legitimising new political orders and fostering public trust. Ensuring electoral integrity in post-conflict societies is a significant challenge, and this is where international election observers play a critical role. I argue that international election monitoring serves as a crucial mechanism for enhancing transparency and deterring electoral fraud, particularly in fragile democracies. Despite the criticisms of its effectiveness and concerns about potential overreach, such monitoring remains an essential tool in the global effort to uphold democratic norms.

Organizations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU) conduct election observation missions adhering to principles of impartiality and transparency. These missions evaluate the electoral process comprehensively and recommend reforms to strengthen democratic institutions. By deterring electoral fraud and providing independent assessments, international election observers enhance the credibility of elections.

Kyrgyzstan's experience
The 2005 and 2010 elections are examined here because they occurred during critical transitional periods in Kyrgyzstan's political history, where the role of international election observers was especially pivotal in shaping the democratic trajectory of the country. While subsequent elections in Kyrgyzstan were also observed by international organizations such as the OSCE/ODIHR, the 2005 and 2010 elections stand out as unique case studies due to their transitional context. These elections marked moments when Kyrgyzstan was rebuilding its governance structures and navigating post-conflict challenges.

Kyrgyzstan's political history provides a valuable case study on the impact of international election observers. The Tulip Revolution in March 2005 marked a pivotal moment, leading to the removal of President Askar Akaev and significant political changes, including the early presidential election on July 10, 2005. In this volatile post-revolution environment, international election observers, particularly from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), played a crucial role in ensuring the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. According to ODIHR, they evaluated the entire electoral process to determine its alignment with OSCE commitments, international standards for democratic elections, and national laws. This assessment emphasised the legislative framework and its enforcement, the performance of election administration and relevant government institutions, the fairness of the election campaign, the state of the media, and the handling of election-related disputes.

The OSCE/ODIHR's involvement in the 2005 election was vital in lending credibility to the process. Their comprehensive assessments and recommendations helped shape the electoral framework and foster democratic practices. Observers noted that fundamental civil and political rights, such as freedom of expression and assembly, were generally respected, creating an environment conducive to a relatively free and fair campaign. The final report from OSCE/ODIHR highlighted that the authorities took measures to discourage the use of administrative resources in favour of the incumbent, reflecting a commitment to a fair electoral process.

The 2010 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, following the ouster of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, further illustrate the importance of international election observers. The situation escalated with ethnic clashes between Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities in June 2010. In this context, the parliamentary elections held on October 10, 2010, were crucial for stabilising the country. The OSCE/ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission that ensured electoral integrity through extensive monitoring and reporting which is clearly stated in the final report.

Impact on democratisation and transitional justice
The presence of international observers in Kyrgyzstan's 2005 and 2010 elections was instrumental in ensuring transparency and deterring fraud. Their detailed reports and recommendations influenced electoral reforms, fostering democratic norms and practices. The credibility lent by these observers helped stabilise the political landscape and build public trust in the electoral process.

Beyond election monitoring, international observers contribute significantly to transitional justice by promoting accountability and transparency. They help establish the rule of law and support long-term peace and stability by ensuring that elections are conducted fairly. This support for democratic governance is crucial in post-conflict societies, where trust in domestic institutions is often low. In Kyrgyzstan, OSCE/ODIHR reports have increased transparency and accountability, pressuring authorities to address identified issues, thereby improving governance and electoral processes over time.

Challenges and criticisms
Despite their significant contributions, international election observers face numerous challenges. Limited resources, political constraints, and the complexity of post-conflict environments can hinder their impact. Additionally, some governments may manipulate the presence of observers to gain international legitimacy while continuing to undermine democratic processes domestically.

Critics argue that international election observation can sometimes focus too narrowly on the technical aspects of elections, overlooking broader issues related to the political context and power dynamics. This narrow focus can limit the effectiveness of their interventions and the sustainability of their recommendations.

Looking ahead
International election observers play a crucial role in post-conflict democratisation and transitional justice, as evidenced by the experiences in Kyrgyzstan. Their presence and involvement not only ensure electoral integrity but also support the establishment of democratic norms and practices. However, the aforementioned challenges can hinder their success.

To overcome these challenges, observers should work closely with local civil society groups to build trust and gain deeper insights into the local political and cultural contexts. For instance, partnering with grassroots organizations can help observers identify subtle forms of voter suppression or discrimination that might otherwise go unnoticed.

It is also vital to train observers not only on election procedures but also on broader human rights issues. As noted by the Venice Commission in a 2024 report, ‘electoral observation missions are linked from their origin to the protection of fundamental rights, and the methodology of election observers is usually aimed at assessing States’ compliance with their international obligations and standards’.

One critical area where this linkage becomes evident is in the inclusion of marginalised groups in the electoral process. Observers are uniquely positioned to assess whether states provide equitable access to electoral participation for women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. This involves evaluating the legal framework, administrative practices, and sociopolitical conditions that either enable or hinder such participation. For instance, do electoral laws guarantee equal representation through quotas or other affirmative measures? Are polling stations physically accessible to persons with disabilities? Is voter education available in minority languages? These questions reveal the intersection of electoral integrity and broader human rights obligations upon the state concerned.

Furthermore, election observers play an essential role in identifying and documenting human rights violations that occur in the electoral context. These can range from barriers to registration for minority candidates to instances of electoral violence disproportionately targeting women or ethnic groups. By providing detailed, impartial reports, observers contribute to accountability and encourage states to implement corrective measures that align with international standards, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) or the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Training election observers on broader human rights issues can equip them with the skills to identify systemic inequalities and advocate for reforms that enhance inclusivity. In countries with a history of disenfranchisement of ethnic minorities, observers can recommend the implementation of voter education campaigns in local languages or the removal of restrictive identification requirements that disproportionately affect these groups. Similarly, in contexts where gender-based violence is used to deter women from participating in elections, observers can highlight the need for legislative and security measures to protect female candidates and voters. In essence, election observation is not merely a technical exercise but a deeply human rights-oriented endeavour. It safeguards the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and participation that underpin democratic governance.

Moreover, observers should make their findings and recommendations more accessible to the public by using plain language and engaging directly with communities to explain their reports. This transparency can help build public confidence in the election process and encourage accountability from the government.

Missions must also avoid being perceived as tools of foreign influence by maintaining strict neutrality and ensuring that their recommendations are actionable, realistic, and focused on long-term democratic reforms rather than short-term fixes.

Cite as: Tenizbaeva, Akylai. "The critical role of international election observers in Kyrgyzstan", GC Human Rights Preparedness, 16 January 2025, https://gchumanrights.org/gc-preparedness/preparedness-democracy/article-detail/the-critical-role-of-international-election-observers-in-kyrgyzstan.html