AKIPRESS.COM - The Parliamentary elections on 4 October in the Kyrgyz Republic stand out in the regional context and mark an important milestone in the democratic transition of the country. Following efforts by the national authorities to improve the electoral process, the elections were competitive, orderly and peaceful. The active participation of the people of the Kyrgyz Republic confirmed their support for parliamentary democracy, European Union External Action Service Spokesperson said in a statement released on October 5.

"We take note of the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission on the Kyrgyz Parliamentary Elections of 4 October 2015, which praise the free choice among a wide range of candidates from 14 political parties. The OSCE/ODIHR highlighted the need for improved procedures and transparency, in particular regarding inclusiveness of voter lists, ballot secrecy and vote counting," the Spokesperson underlined.

Ahead of the upcoming municipal and presidential elections of 2016 and 2017, the recommendations underlined by the OSCE/ODIHR should be addressed by the national authorities. The European Union is preparing a EUR 13.13 million programme to further support the improvement of the electoral process in Kyrgyzstan, the Spokesperson spotlighted.

As a long-standing partner of the Kyrgyz Republic, the European Union remains committed to support the newly elected Government in implementing its priorities for the country's social and economic development, good governance and the rule of law, concludes the statement.