Failing preconditions to hold free and fair parliamentary elections

Serious shortcomings of voters’ lists noted in the previous elections remain not-addressed. The CEC announced that there is a 1 622 111 less voters in the country than argued by the State Statistics Committee. Neither of the institutions provided explanation of discrepancy between numbers.  EMDS received credible allegations that voters providing signatures in favor of registration of opposition candidates faced wide-spread pressure and intimidation and in number of occasions withdrew their signatures.The organization also noted the unfair treatment of opposition candidates at the Constituency Election Commissions (ConECs) and the CEC during the registration process, verification of signatures and documented discrimination against candidates. EMDS is also concerned about increasing amount of unfair investigation of complaints of candidates denied registration.