Marlen Mamataliyev proposed to deprive Kyrgyz citizens of benefits for not voting

This participation in state mortgage programs and studying on a budget in universities


Marlen Mamataliyev, a deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh, proposed a bill that could deprive Kyrgyz citizens of certain benefits due to their non-participation in elections. The aim of this initiative is to encourage citizens to actively exercise their voting rights.

According to Mamataliyev, as of November 2024, approximately 4.2 million voters are registered in Kyrgyzstan, but the number of those who avoid voting is increasing every year.

The statistics for presidential elections are as follows:

- 2011 – 61.28%;

- 2017 – 56.11%;

- 2021 – 39.16%.

As for parliamentary elections:

- 2010 – 59.19%;

- 2015 – 39.78%;

- 2020 – 54.38%;

- 2021 – 34.61%;

- 2025 – 36.90%.

Results of referendums:

- 2010 – 72.24%;

- 2016 – 41.68%;

- 2021 – from 36.66% to 39.12%.

In local council elections, the following dynamics can be observed:

- 2012 – 48.67%;

- 2016 – 44.42%;

- 2021 – 38.78%;

- 2024 – 28.68%.

Mamataliyev also noted that the issue of increasing voter turnout was discussed at the IV People's Kurultai.

In his proposal, he points out the possibility of restricting access to certain state benefits for those who do not participate in elections without a valid reason. Such benefits include participation in state housing programs, discounts on administrative fines, additional points for students in universities, as well as priority for admission to master's and doctoral programs, and obtaining state grants.

For citizens who actively participate in elections, Mamataliyev proposes to maintain these benefits and also conduct additional lotteries.

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