In Kyrgyzstan, early elections for deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh are scheduled for November 30, 2023. As part of the preparations for the elections, 2,492 polling stations have been organized in the country, 100 of which are located abroad.
Currently, there are 4,297,040 registered voters, of which 2,082,263 are men (48.46%) and 2,214,777 are women (51.54%). Complete voter lists will be posted at all polling stations by November 10.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has registered 467 candidates, including 276 men and 191 women. The official start of the election campaign began on November 10.
The Chairman of the CEC, Tynchtyk Shainazarov, announced the introduction of a new electoral system. The country has been divided into 30 multi-mandate districts, from which three deputies will be elected to the parliament from each district. Thus, the Jogorku Kenesh will consist of 90 deputies.
Remote Voting
For the first time in these elections, a remote voting system has been implemented. Tynchtyk Shainazarov noted that maximum convenience has been created for citizens to exercise their right to participate in the elections.
While there were 59 polling stations abroad in the previous elections, their number has now increased to 100. Additional polling stations are also being opened within the country at large industrial enterprises, shopping centers, and airports.
According to the CEC chairman, administrative resources are not being used. The President of the country confirmed that civil servants should not interfere in the campaigning process, and appropriate measures will be taken in case of violations.
Campaigning
As of today, the election campaigning has begun. It starts after the registration of all candidates is completed and ends 24 hours before the voting begins, that is, on November 29 at 8:00 AM. Thus, the campaigning period will last for 20 days.
CEC member Abdyjapar Bekmatov emphasized that candidates can campaign through various media and online publications, but all expenses must be covered from the election fund. Free services from individuals and legal entities for candidates are prohibited.
Bekmatov also reported that special groups are working with the CEC and district commissions to monitor publications and appeals on social media and in the media. The CEC has received 48 complaints, and measures have already been taken in nine cases due to violations. Warnings were issued in 28 cases, while the remaining appeals are under review.
Bekmatov also reminded that civil servants running as candidates must leave their positions, and those participating in the elections will temporarily suspend their work until the results are announced.
