Tashiev, Turgunbek Uulu, Kongantiev, and others. What is happening in the Parliament and will there be a continuation?

Юлия Воробьева Politics
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Over the past month, the composition of the new VIII convocation of the Jogorku Kenesh has undergone significant changes. Let's examine the current state of affairs and possible new developments.

Who have we lost?

The situation remained stable until February 10, but after the resignation of Kamchybek Tashiev from the position of head of the GKNB, a mass surrender of mandates by deputies began. As of March 20, the situation looks as follows.
Shairbek Tashiev also announced his departure via social media.
He emphasized that the decision to surrender his mandate was not easy for him, but was made in the interests of the state and with consideration of the people's trust.

According to him, this step was necessary to ensure political stability and the tranquility of citizens. Tashiev also noted that recent events related to slander against him and his family disturbed the peace of his loved ones. He assured that he would continue to serve the people and the country, regardless of holding a political position.

District No. 13

Three deputies from district No. 13 became known later than others, and this is related to a separate situation.

On December 3, 2025, the Central Election Commission conducted an investigation into violations in electoral district No. 13. As a result of the investigation, it was found that observers representing candidates illegally installed cameras at 35 polling stations on election day. Consequently, the CEC canceled the registration of all 14 candidates who participated in the voting. Repeat elections were scheduled for March 1, in which 23 candidates registered.

However, on February 13, 2026, the Central Election Commission reviewed its decision and recognized the elections as valid, revoking the previous decision. As a result, the deputies recognized were Aibek Altynbekov, Talant Mamytov, and Aigul Karabekova.

District No. 21

The situation here also remains unclear.
Kuvanychbek Kongantiev has already surrendered his mandate and was arrested on suspicion of corruption. Chingiz Aydarbekov is expected to come to the Jogorku Kenesh as a result of the elections.

However, as reported by Kaktus.media from the CEC, the issue of his appointment is still under consideration.
“There are some circumstances that need to be clarified through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the Central Election Commission added, without specifying details.

And what about the rights of voters?

Although the situation remains within the law, what should be done about the 120,891 voters who, according to CEC data, voted for these deputies? Is this not a threat to the very procedure of elections in the Jogorku Kenesh? Can it be considered adherence to democratic principles if the parliament is composed not of elected representatives but of those who nominated themselves?

***

According to political scientist Almaz Tajibay, the liberation of the political field is a normal reaction of the authorities to a threat to themselves.
“This threat must be eliminated. Machiavelli spoke about this. The instinct of self-preservation kicks in. Many build their careers at the expense of stronger politicians. This is evident from the mass resignations. We are heading towards autocracy, which inevitably leads to the emergence of loyal but incompetent people,” Tajibay stated.

He also reminded that similar mass resignations of deputies occurred in the VII convocation when MPs sought to avoid criminal prosecution (which not everyone succeeded in).
In his opinion, the approach to elections should be revised, as in countries with real democracy such politicians quickly lose support and leave under public pressure.
“It would be ideal, as it was in Georgia 20 years ago. A politician comes to power, and his relatives must suspend their business, transferring it to a trust management during his term to avoid conflicts of interest,” the expert suggested.
Tajibay added that in Kyrgyzstan, voters do not vote for programs but based on other factors—regional ties, loud promises, and targeted assistance.

“This is wrong,” emphasized Almaz Tajibay.

***

As noted by human rights and election expert Atyr Abdrakhmatova, to understand the violation of the rights of voters who voted for these deputies, it is necessary to find out how they received their votes.
“Money? Bribery? Clans? Pressure? Administrative resources? Sincere trust in the individual? Support for the candidate's ideas and programs? Despite the volatility of public opinion, everyone involved in politics understands that only a true leader with real support can count on protection from the electorate and not become a victim of political games,” she noted.

Abdrakhmatova believes that since the appointment of early elections in 2025 and until the issuance of mandates by the CEC to the “elected” candidates, administrative resources were used.
“The monopoly of administrative resources in elections has led to violations of both active and passive rights of a large number of voters. The question to law enforcement agencies and the CEC is: where is their work to ensure independent and fair elections? Under such conditions, it is quite possible that the departing deputies would not have been elected,” Abdrakhmatova expressed her opinion.

***

Lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov believes that “Tashiev's supporters” in parliament are more numerous than they seem, as this is how the 30 electoral districts were formed.
“It is unlikely that half of the parliament will surrender their mandates. Most likely, they will simply 'repaint' and adapt to the current circumstances. The president should have been warned about this by his National Institute of Strategic Initiatives, which was reformed for six months by Justice Minister Ayaz Bayetov, but apparently without success,” he added.

Toktakunov emphasized that voters should be realistic when voting not for those who truly represent their interests, but for populists.
“Such an outcome is the result of short-term benefits for voters. Some figures leave, and others follow. The situation will only change when the electorate begins to consciously vote for worthy candidates,” he concluded.
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