Deputy Dastan Bekeshev, who initiated the project, noted that according to current legislation, public self-governance workers are not allowed to engage in campaigning. However, some house committees and chairpersons of homeowners' associations continue to support certain candidates, which constitutes an abuse of administrative resources. Despite the prohibitions, such practices persist.
“During the recent parliamentary elections, some individuals attended meetings with the aim of disrupting events. In particular, house committees hindered the placement of campaign banners, even when shop owners gave their consent. They claimed that residents had already made their choice of candidate. We must stop such actions, as no one should interfere with the legal activities of campaigners. Similar problems also exist in villages, where meetings with voters are obstructed, citing support for certain candidates,” Bekeshev explained.
He added that in 2025, he himself encountered a similar situation, which forced his team to abandon large events due to the risk of disruption.
It is proposed to amend Article 65 of the Code of Offenses to include the following fines for disrupting campaigning:
- 10,000 soms for individuals;
- 20,000 soms for house committee members and chairpersons of homeowners' associations.
In response, Bekeshev assured that complaints against house committee members would, in most cases, not be unfounded.
Uzukbaev also asked whether this is a systemic problem or just Bekeshev's personal experience and requested statistics from the Central Election Commission regarding such violations.
Bekeshev replied that many candidates have faced similar issues.
“Do you want to nitpick? Just support the bill. The Central Election Commission has already given a positive conclusion and supports it,” Bekeshev said humorously.
“Alright, we will support your bill,” Uzukbaev replied with a smile.
Deputy Altynbek Kylychbaev agreed on the relevance of the issue but inquired what evidence could be provided. Bekeshev pointed out the necessity of having video recordings.
Jyldyz Kurmanalieva expressed concern that this provision could lead to false accusations. She asked Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Erkebek Ashirkhodzhaev to comment on the practical application of the law. The deputy minister acknowledged that he was invited to the meeting on another issue and had not had time to study the bill.
As a result of the discussion, the deputies approved the concept of the bill.
