The head of the Uzbek Central Election Commission (CEC),
Najmiddin Komilov, has said there have been cases of campaign
abuses in the forthcoming parliamentary elections "which are
undermining the democratic basis of our elections". However,
for the most part "everything is in line with CEC plans", he
said in a regular 25 minute speech at a CEC meeting, broadcast
by Uzbek radio on 9th November.

"According to some reports, certain candidates are going
in person to voters' houses, meeting voters at their work
places, meeting the heads of neighbourhood organisations,
arranging the distribution of goods which are in short supply,
and making empty promises. Such illegal cases were used in the
past, but there is now absolutely no use for them. These
incidents are not taking place everywhere, but they are
nevertheless causing concern. They are undermining the
democratic basis of our elections. We should prevent such cases
for our own sake and the sake of the guests observing us."
He added that certain candidates in the Regions were
trying to woo their voters by distributing goods among the
local population, and were setting people against their
opponents.

"In the past, we thought that pressure would be coming
from local administrations. But unfortunately, the opposite has
been taking place now. There are cases when deputies are
putting pressure on each other. In their campaigning they are
appealing to clans and favoritism. There are cases when they
are setting one village against another, one neighbourhood
organisation against another", Komilov said.

"The aim of today's meeting is to take immediate measures
against such cases. We should invite these people here, no
matter which political party, action group or representative
body nominated them, and warn them. We should warn them not to
repeat such cases. When necessary they should be punished. If
that does no good, as I have mentioned before, we should
withdraw their candidacy as a last resort", Komilov said. "We
will take those people who are trying to buy votes or trying to
divide the voters out of the race," Komilov added.

Mr Komilov also said the CEC was preparing leaflets with
photographs and biographies of candidates, but certain parties
and action groups were asking whether they could issue
additional poster campaigns at their own expense, in the form
of calendars or other posters.

"Whether they issue a calandar, leaflets or other poster
campaigns, their total number, including the ones carrying
their photographs and biographies should not exceed 5,000
copies. This is our proposal. If you agree to this, we will
issue a resolution on this", Najmiddin Komilov said.
Concerning individual candidates' campaign slots, Komilov
said: "If candidates with enough funds are allowed to prepare
campaign slots, then those who cannot do this will definitely
complain and be discontented. We should either ban campaign
slots [of individual candidates], or if we allow them, then
they should be broadcast within the airtime allocated for each
political party. We can't allocate special airtime for them on
TV. The parties should decide this issue themselves. If they
are going to broadcast campaign slots of their candidates, they
should do so within the airtime allocated to them. We will not
agree to allocate them a minute of additional time."
Komilov also said that he was in favour of banning the use
of cable TV in campaigning. "Cable television is very delicate
matter. It works 24 hours a day. That is why we are in favour
of banning it [broadcasting campaign slots on cable TV]. We are
absolutely in favour of banning the use of cable TV in
campaigning", he said.

Komilov also highlighted the importance of holding
election rallies. "Voters, no matter where they are - in
cities, villages or enterprises, they directly meet candidates
at election rallies. Television cannot be considered as a
direct acquaintance. Radio, newspapers and so on cannot also be
considered as a direct acquaintance."

"In my opinion, bringing all candidates from a certain
constituency together for a meeting with voters is very
effective, and in line with democratic requirements. When all
candidates of one constituency hold a meeting together, people
will see all of them. They can debate, and ask each other
questions as in TV face-to-face debates. People will see them.
I think that electors' acquaintance with their candidates in
this way will be more fruitful", Najmiddin Komilov said.

Source: Uzbek Radio first programme, Tashkent, in Uzbek 1000
gmt 09 Nov 99
BBC Mon CAU 101199/** KG/AJC/AD