Kyrgyzstan on the Path to an Open Society

Kyrgyzstan today is a sovereign independent state building an open society. An open society is one where the individual, their freedom, dignity, and well-being are placed above all else. That is why humanity strives to live in an open society.

During the Soviet period (1917-1990) in Kyrgyzstan, as in other Soviet republics, an administrative-command system of power prevailed. The constitution provided citizens with equal rights and freedoms, but in practice, this was not the case. Society was led by the Communist Party, the only one in the country. Its word was law for all. Freedom of speech was absent: a person could not publish their opinion in print if it did not conform to the party's directives. Private property, free trade, and entrepreneurship were prohibited.

Today, the situation in our republic is completely different: conditions are being created for the establishment of a truly free democratic society. The fundamental law guaranteeing the observance of citizens' rights is the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Every person in the Kyrgyz Republic has the right to life, physical and moral inviolability, personal freedom and security, and free development of their personality. Every person is free, therefore no one should be subjected to violence.

Every person has the right to move freely within the territory of the country, choose their place of residence, travel outside the republic, and return to the republic without hindrance.

Citizens of the country have the right to acquire property, own it, and dispose of it at their discretion. They can choose to donate it, sell it, or leave it as an inheritance.

Soviet citizens did not have the opportunity to communicate freely with citizens of foreign states. Letters from people living or working abroad were subject to censorship. Today, uncensored, uncontrolled communication has become commonplace. The collective of the joint-stock company "Telecom" has played a huge role in this, quickly mastering the latest achievements in telecommunications and allowing people to connect directly with any city in the world via home phones or special payphones.

Every person is free to choose their religion and to practice rituals and customs. Every person has the right to education. They can choose their profession and job as they wish.

However, our constitution not only enshrines the rights of citizens but also requires them to respect the rights of others. This means that every citizen must bear certain responsibilities. For example, it is a sacred duty for each of us to defend the Fatherland. The upbringing and education of children is the responsibility of parents. Children must respect their elders and care for elderly parents. A careful attitude towards the environment, natural resources, and historical monuments is the duty of every citizen. Respect for the constitution and laws of the country is considered an honorable obligation for all citizens.

In an open society, there are open paths for the development of various forms of property, including private property. All of this ensures economic freedom.

State power in Kyrgyzstan consists of independent branches — legislative, executive, and judicial. Our republic is a democratic country. The word "democracy" translates from Greek as "power of the people," meaning that every person has the right to participate in the governance of the state. A citizen who has reached adulthood, regardless of gender or social status, can participate in free elections, run for president, or for a deputy in the Jogorku Kenesh. Anyone with the relevant knowledge and skills has the right to hold government positions.

Another advantage of an open society is that every person can freely express and disseminate their opinions, ideas, and thoughts. Freedom of speech and the press was introduced in Kyrgyzstan after gaining independence and is enshrined in the constitution. We have the opportunity to stay informed about current news through various media, including the Internet. There are many independent newspapers and magazines, television and radio programs in the republic.

Kyrgyzstan has created all the conditions for building a free open society. The main thing is that citizens actively participate in the life of society and the state and create a new history for the Kyrgyz people through their constructive actions.