The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe launched a mission in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday to observe the Feb. 27 parliamentary elections in this ex-Soviet republic. The mission includes 30 long-term observers who will assess how well the electoral process complies with international standards for democratic elections and national laws, the OSCE, Europe's largest security group, said in a statement. Kyrgyz voters will elect deputies to a new, single-chamber parliament that will replace the current two-chamber legislature. The 75 parliamentary seats will be contested by three opposition movements and two pro-presidential parties. The parliamentary vote is seen as a democracy test for President Askar Akayev who has recently faced accusations of trying to tighten his grip on power. The vote is also seen as a test of strength for various political groups ahead of the presidential election in October. Twelve long-term OSCE observers will be based in the capital Bishkek and the 18 others will be sent to the provinces, the mission said. The OSCE is planning to deploy 170 short-term monitors for election day. None of Kyrgyzstan's previous elections was recognized by international observers as free and fair.
