On December 1, President Sadyr Japarov held a meeting with the heads of international observation missions.
The president thanked them for agreeing to observe the upcoming early elections for deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh. A total of 788 international experts from 58 countries arrived in Kyrgyzstan for this purpose.
He emphasized that such a wide representation demonstrates the high interest of the international community in the political events in the country.
Sadyr Japarov expressed hope that the objective assessments and recommendations of the observers would help Kyrgyzstan identify possible shortcomings and determine further steps to strengthen democratic institutions.
The head of state also reminded that Kyrgyzstan has experienced three coups caused by non-transparent elections and noted the importance of honest voting for society.
He pointed out that democracy implies not only the right to criticize but also adherence to rules and respect for the people's choice.
The president added that much has been done in recent years to improve electoral legislation and its application.
He noted that the recommendations of international partners, especially authoritative organizations, were taken into account in the preparation for the elections.
In particular, digital technologies, biometric identification of voters, as well as an automated vote counting system and an online registry were implemented.
The president also noted that each voter will be able to vote at any convenient polling station.
For example, a resident of the At-Bashinsky district can vote while in Bishkek or abroad for a candidate from their constituency.
In connection with ensuring the rights of citizens outside the country, 100 polling stations were opened abroad, while there were only 59 in 2021.
Sadyr Japarov noted that this decision received a positive response from compatriots.
The number of citizens voting outside the country increased threefold to 26,000 people, compared to 9,000 in 2021.
The head of state also announced plans to develop an online voting system considering all aspects of security and identification.
Moreover, he emphasized that the elections are conducted exclusively under the majoritarian system.
“This system excludes party lists, allowing a focus on the personal qualities of candidates,” the president emphasized.
In his speech, the chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda, Tynchtyk Shainazarov, noted that the observers presented their conclusions based on the results of the elections.
The heads of the missions also emphasized that Kyrgyzstan's electoral legislation complies with international standards and legal norms, ensuring free and democratic conduct of elections.
According to them, the elections were conducted openly, fairly, and competitively, which ensured the free expression of citizens' will.
In addition, they positively assessed measures to ensure gender equality within the framework of new rules limiting the number of deputies of one gender.
They also noted the introduction of a remote voting mechanism that allows voting at the nearest polling station if a person cannot vote at their place of registration. The decision of the CEC to create 100 polling stations abroad significantly increased the accessibility of the electoral process.
The meeting was attended by the heads of international observation missions, including Igor Petrishenko, Mahmadali Vatanzo, Dmitry Kobitsky, and other representatives of various organizations.
At the end of the meeting, President Sadyr Japarov expressed gratitude for the positive assessment of the electoral process and assured that the recommendations would be taken into account for future elections, which should become the foundation for political stability, economic development, and improving the lives of citizens. ```
