OSCE Cancels Election Observation Mission in Tajikistan Over Accreditation Issues

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) announced on February 4 the cancellation of its observation mission for Tajikistan's upcoming parliamentary elections, Orda reports.

The cancellation is due to the lack of assurance of observer accreditation from Tajik authorities.

Despite launching the mission on January 22, the observation team in Dushanbe has been unable to begin their work. ODIHR Director Maria Telalian stated that the absence of formal guarantees for observers less than a month before election day made withdrawal necessary.

The original assessment called for 20 long-term and 150 short-term observers, citing concerns аbout:

• Election administration independence
• Election-day process integrity
• Judicial independence
• Restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly

ODIHR deploys missions at host countries' invitation and requires proper conditions for effective operation.

According to its mandate, the organization remains open to observing future Tajik elections when conditions allow for credible observation.