Interest in this topic intensified after the deputies of the VII convocation of the Jogorku Kenesh adopted a law establishing the date of the presidential elections for January 24, 2027.
The initiative to hold elections under the new law was voiced in an open letter signed by 75 signatories, including both current and former officials, cultural figures, and businessmen.
At the moment, the president's administration has not provided an official comment on this appeal.
The essence of the letterIn the letter, the signatories point out that "the current president was elected in 2021 under the old Constitution, which provided for a six-year term. However, in April of the same year, a new Constitution was adopted in a referendum, according to which the president is now elected for five years and can serve two consecutive terms. On May 5, 2021, the Law "On the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic" came into force, which clarifies the terms of presidential powers and the possibility of nomination for the highest office. Article 3, paragraph 1 of this law states that "the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, elected in 2021 for six years, exercises his powers in accordance with the Constitution. The term for which the president was elected for six years will be considered the first term under the new Constitution."
The letter also reflects disagreements among lawyers and politicians: some advocate for early elections as the only way out of the situation, while others suggest waiting for the end of the six-year term.
The authors of the letter are confident that holding early elections will help avoid various interpretations, additional clarifications, and public disputes, as well as possible appeals to the Constitutional Court.
CollapseKaktus.media conducted a survey among some signatories to find out whether they truly support the letter and how well they are acquainted with it.
Some former officials did not answer calls or tried to hide their participation when they learned that journalists were calling.
For example, Olympic champion Kanybek Osmonaliev stated that he did not sign any letter.
“I am not a politician; no one approached me,” Osmonaliev said, noting that he is often confused with a former deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh who has the same name.
Former deputy and People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic Kerim Turapov refused to comment on the situation, citing treatment in the hospital.
Composer Ataybek Bodoshev said he had not seen the letter but supports the idea of early elections, as "the time has come." In his opinion, the problems mentioned in the appeal need to be addressed.
“I have long stepped away from politics, but I was approached by an initiative asking me to sign an open letter, and I agreed. Among them were my friends. The issues discussed in the letter are still relevant, but more needs to be done,” added poet Akbar Ryskulov.
He did not disclose the names of those who suggested he sign, noting that he trusts them.
Former minister and former deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev confirmed his signature on the appeal and agrees with the opinion expressed in the letter.
“Everyone sees positive changes in the country, but there are also problems: rising tariffs, high cost of living, external debt. There are satisfied people, but also dissatisfied ones, and political will is needed to address these issues. Early elections could be a solution to move forward and overcome difficulties. It is also important that the parliament decided to hold early elections in the Jogorku Kenesh to save the budget. Now is the right time for other elections,” he added.
When asked about the poverty of the population, Dyikanbaev noted that some households still do not have electricity, and prices remain high. Rural residents are heavily dependent on loans.
“Mortgage payments are becoming unbearable, and many are just surviving, paying off debts,” he said.
Renowned surgeon Mitallip Mamytov also expressed support for the idea of early elections.
“I signed the appeal to prevent any abuses. We provided justifications, and all problems need to be resolved,” added Mamytov.
Former ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkey Ibrahim Junusov confirmed his participation in the signing but refused to specify who provided him with the document.
“I support the idea of early elections; let the people decide whom to choose. I am not talking about a specific candidate, but I agree with the letter. There are points I disagree with, and I have expressed this verbally. Overall, I am in the hospital and cannot speak,” noted Junusov.
Former minister Maksat Dyikanov explained his signature by stating that it is necessary to adhere to the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“There are both positive and negative aspects. The government has indeed achieved successes, but problems remain. There is no ideal situation. We strive for further development of the country,” he added.
Dyikanov did not respond to who suggested he sign the appeal, noting that it is not significant. He also added that there are many smart people in the country ready to run for president.
Askarbek Jumagulov, chairman of the Veterans Council of Chui region, said he signed the appeal, although he did not familiarize himself with it in detail.
“Everyone asked, and I agreed. I reviewed its content and support it, although I do not see the fault of the country's leadership in the current situation. If this appeal does not contradict the president's policy, then I support it,” concluded Jumagulov.
Former Prime Minister Turusbek Chyngyshyev also confirmed his acquaintance with the appeal and its content. He supports the current policy of President Sadyr Japarov.
“But he must present a new program for the second stage of the country's development. Of course, there are shortcomings mentioned in the letter. He will certainly be a candidate,” added Chyngyshyev.
Public figure from Batken region Ashyrbay Jusupov confirmed his signature on the appeal but refused to discuss details.
“I just want stability. I want Sadyr Japarov to remain president,” he said and hung up.
Kubat Osmonbetov, Hero of Labor of the Kyrgyz Republic and academician, noted that he had only partially familiarized himself with the letter.
“I did not notice mentions of poverty, rising prices, and external debt, but I support the policy of Sadyr Japarov. I am pleased that a railway is being built from China through Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan. Kumtor has been returned. A lot of good is being done in the country. I fully support the fight against organized crime,” said Osmonbetov.
Chairman of the public organization "Issyk-Kul" Mukash Mambetov did not comment, citing being busy in a meeting.
