Experience from other countries shows that the number of electoral bodies can vary depending on their functions, the size of the territory, and the population. Research indicates that a larger number of members does not always contribute to faster decision-making. Reducing the composition of the CEC may help optimize management, reduce financial costs for maintaining the commission, and increase the accountability of its members for the decisions they make.
Initiators emphasize that during elections, the importance of quick responses to emerging issues, such as disputes or candidate registration, is critical. The more members there are in a collegial body, the harder it is to reach consensus and conduct voting in a timely manner.As part of the proposals, deputies plan to establish a five-year term for CEC members and reduce their number to seven. Of these, three members will be appointed by the Jogorku Kenesh on the recommendation of the president, and four will be initiated by deputies with the condition that no more than 70% of them are of the same gender. The Jogorku Kenesh will also be able to dismiss them from office in situations provided for by law. In the current legislation, half of the members are appointed based on the president's recommendations, and the other half is initiated by deputies. - Note from Kaktus.media
In addition, the bill proposes to amend the Law "On the Regulations of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic" to clarify the subjects entitled to initiate the early dismissal of CEC members. Thus, the president will submit proposals for the removal of three members, while the Jogorku Kenesh will do so for four.
This approach will eliminate legal uncertainty and complete the staffing cycle without violating the principle of CEC independence, merely clarifying the mechanisms of its formation to enhance operational efficiency, the authors of the initiative note.It is important to note that this bill has not yet been published on the Jogorku Kenesh website for public discussion.
