Parliamentary Tribune: Voice of the People or Personal Platform for Deputies?

Наталья Маркова Local news / Exclusive
VK X OK WhatsApp Telegram

”This issue was raised during the discussion.

Parliamentary podium: the voice of the people or a personal platform for deputies?
Kemel Ashyraliev, a deputy of the “legendary parliament,” emphasized in an interview with the agency “Kabar” that deputies represent the interests of the people and must perform their duties with due responsibility.

He also noted that the time of deputies should be used to address important issues concerning society, rather than for personal interests.

According to Ashyraliev, deputies of the “legendary parliament” (1990–1994, Supreme Council of the Kyrgyz SSR) carefully monitored their behavior, appearance, and the quality of their speeches.

“A deputy is someone to whom the people have entrusted their vote and who represents the interests of citizens in the Jogorku Kenesh. We prepared our speeches in advance, and even if we had to speak without preparation, we always thought through every word. When a deputy distracts the podium's attention to personal problems, it not only wastes time but also distracts colleagues. The time of deputies should be spent discussing significant issues for society and the state,” he explained.
Deputy of the VIII convocation Elvira Surabaldiyeva pointed out that sometimes one deputy is given the opportunity to speak several times in a row.

She urged her colleagues to use the parliamentary podium to address pressing issues of the population, rather than for personal complaints.

“Sometimes one deputy is given the microphone several times. Each of us has our own opinions, but personal problems and grievances should be discussed through other channels, such as podcasts or the media. The podium is intended for voicing the opinions of voters and discussing important state issues. Personal whims should not take up its time,” Surabaldiyeva noted.
Chairman of the Jogorku Kenesh Marlen Mamataliyev also emphasized the need for effective use of parliamentary time to discuss only those issues that are important for the state.

He added that the issues raised on the podium should be discussed in advance in deputy groups and coordinated with the leadership of the parliament, based on international experience.

“We discussed this with the leaders of the deputy groups. In the future, each deputy will be able to request 10 minutes at a session of the Jogorku Kenesh (within the framework of the ‘Hour of Various Questions’), only after coordination with the group leader. Deputies not belonging to groups can request time independently. I urge you to raise only significant issues related to reforms and social problems. It is necessary to increase discipline. For example, in London, questions are submitted for parliamentary consideration in advance and included in the agenda only after the chairman's approval. If you agree, we can introduce similar measures,” Mamataliyev stated.
It is worth noting that recent instances where personal or insignificant issues were discussed on the podium have caused discontent among the public and have formed a negative perception of the professional ethics and competence of deputies.
VK X OK WhatsApp Telegram

Read also: