During the meeting, the head of the CEC informed the IFES representatives about the reforms being implemented to ensure the electoral rights of citizens in the country, the preparation for the upcoming presidential elections in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The role of the Fund in maintaining the right of citizens to participate in free and fair elections was noted. IFES experience strengthens electoral systems and builds local resources to provide durable solutions to pressing issues.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the cooperation prospects between the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and the Central Election Commission and ways to further strengthen it.

Anthony Boyer, Senior Manager of Management Programs for Europe and Eurasia of IFES, highly appreciated the work carried out in Uzbekistan to improve the electoral legislation and electoral procedures, and also expressed the Fund's readiness to support the national electoral process by implementing a project program aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the activities of independent election commissions, improving electoral legislation and practice.

Prospects for cooperation in the field of building the CEC's potential to promote the principles of professional ethics through training of CEC members were discussed. And also, employees of election commissions on all issues related to the management of the electoral process, ensuring the transparency of elections and creating conditions for all voters, improving the legal culture of the population, especially young people, improving voter access by providing technical assistance in improving the voter registration system.

At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their mutual opinion on the need to develop more systemic relations between the CEC and the Fund.

Tamar Zhvania, Senior Expert on Europe and Eurasia, International Foundation for Electoral Systems:

-Two representatives of the International Fund for Election Systems arrived in Uzbekistan to support the Central Election Commission in the framework of project activities. We do not observe the elections in terms of evaluating the elections and presenting a specific report. We work with the CEC and other electoral actors, including the media, disabled people's organizations, civil society institutions, and youth organizations. This cooperation will begin after the current elections and will take place in preparation for the next parliamentary elections. I am confident that our cooperation will contribute to the transparency and inclusiveness of elections, active participation of voters and will contribute to the development of the country.