Recalling the presidential elections of 2017, in which he himself participated, Babanov noted that during that period all possible administrative resources were used against the opponents of the authorities.
“Supporters of the authorities used state resources, and doctors and teachers were forced to get involved in politics. People were intimidated, and there were cases where campaigners were taken to the mountains and beaten. No one can deny that votes and the hopes of 500,000 Kyrgyzstanis were stolen back then. Understanding the importance of stability for the future of Kyrgyzstan, I made the decision to stop my team and temporarily leave the country. During the elections and after them, I refrained from making statements that could divide society,” he wrote on Facebook.
Furthermore, Babanov pointed out that one of Atambayev's sons became a deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh, while another became a deputy of the Bishkek City Kenesh.
“In such a situation, talking about competition would be more appropriate for someone else. I observe how stability and order are being established in the country, free from crime and chaos. Our main task now is to maintain this stability and promote the development of the state. The interests of the country are more important than personal grievances and ambitions. If you have a grievance, Almazbek, I urge you, as a wise aksakal, to make the right choice. Instead of disputes and creating tension, let’s strive for the advancement of Kyrgyzstan. Today, the country needs peace and unity, not political scandals. This will contribute to the development of our people,” Babanov concluded.
