The draft law concerning the abolition of fines for candidates for the participation of minors in meetings with voters has received approval in the third reading from the relevant committee of the Jogorku Kenesh.
The Committee on Constitutional Legislation, State Structure, Local Self-Government, and Regulations supported the initiative proposed by Deputy Dastan Bekeshev. He believes that candidates should not be held responsible for the presence of individuals under 18 years old at campaign events, provided that these individuals are not participating in campaigning.
According to the deputies, in real life, candidates do not have the ability to control who comes to such meetings, especially in rural areas. Bekeshev pointed out that in cities, voter turnout is often low, while in villages, large groups of people attend meetings, and no one can guarantee the absence of minors among them.
The deputy emphasized that candidates do not intentionally bring children to events. For example, if a woman comes to a meeting with a small child, the candidate has no right to ask her to leave.
“If parents cannot leave their children at home and bring them along to listen to the candidate, then the candidate should not be punished for this,” he stated.
Bekeshev also reminded that opponents often take photos of children at such meetings, post them on social media, and accuse candidates of campaigning among minors. Based on such accusations, the Central Election Commission previously imposed fines on candidates, including during the 2021 elections.
According to the deputy, the fines reached 7,500 soms.
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