Studying international practices shows that the number of electoral bodies varies depending on their powers, the area of the territory, and the population size. The experience of other countries indicates that the number of members does not always directly affect the speed of decision-making and the functionality of the bodies. Reducing the composition of the Central Election Commission may lead to the optimization of management processes, a decrease in the financial burden on the state budget (including expenses for salaries, material support, and social guarantees), as well as an increase in the responsibility of each commission member for their decisions, the deputies believe.
The initiators emphasize that during an election campaign, time is of the essence. Disputes among voters, candidate registration issues, and the cancellation of decisions by lower commissions require a swift response. Practice shows that the larger the number of members in a collegial body, the harder it is to reach a consensus or conduct prompt voting.In this regard, they propose to establish that the composition of the Central Election Commission will consist of seven members, elected for a term of five years (instead of the current 12).
It is also proposed that the Jogorku Kenesh will elect three members on the president's proposal and four members on its own initiative, ensuring that no more than 70% of the members are of the same gender; a procedure for dismissal in cases provided for by law will also be specified (under current legislation, half of the members are elected on the president's proposal, and the other half on the initiative of the Jogorku Kenesh. - Note from Kaktus.media)
Additionally, the draft includes amendments to the Law "On the Regulations of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic," concerning the identification of entities initiating the early dismissal of members of the Central Election Commission, clarifying that the president will submit proposals for the early dismissal of three members, while the Jogorku Kenesh will do so for four.
This approach will ensure a logical completion of the personnel cycle and eliminate legal uncertainty in the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. The developers assert that the proposed changes to the composition and appointment procedures for members do not violate the principle of independence of the Central Election Commission but merely clarify the mechanisms for its formation to enhance efficiency.It is worth noting that the draft law has not yet been published on the Jogorku Kenesh website for public discussion.
