Deputy Dastan Bekeshev, who proposed the amendments, noted that according to current legislation, employees of territorial public self-government should not engage in campaigning. However, despite the ban, some house committees and heads of homeowners' associations continue to support certain candidates, which can be seen as an abuse of administrative resources.
Bekeshev reminded that three months ago parliamentary elections took place, during which there were instances where house committees obstructed campaigning, for example, by prohibiting the hanging of advertising banners, even when shop owners consented to it. He emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and must be stopped, as they violate the legal rights of campaigners. In his opinion, a similar problem exists in rural areas, where elections can also be disrupted.
The proposed changes to the bill imply the introduction of fines for disrupting campaigning: 10,000 soms for individuals and 20,000 soms for house committees and heads of homeowners' associations.
Another deputy, Ulukbek Uzukbaev, expressed concerns that such measures could be used as a tool to pressure house committees, which could exacerbate political struggles. He noted that candidates might abuse this and intimidate house committees.
In response, Bekeshev stated that it is unlikely that complaints against house committees would be filed without grounds, adding that candidates who receive support from house committees might fear the new regulations.
Uzukbaev also asked whether this is a systemic problem or just Bekeshev's personal experience, and requested statistical data on such violations from the Central Election Commission (CEC). Bekeshev assured that many candidates have faced similar situations.
"Do you want to nitpick? Just support the bill. The CEC has already expressed a positive opinion on this matter," Bekeshev humorously remarked.
In response, Uzukbaev also jokingly stated his readiness to support the bill.
Deputy Altynbek Kylchbaev agreed that the problem is relevant but asked what evidence could confirm the facts of disrupting campaigning. Bekeshev noted that video recordings are necessary.
Jyldyz Kurmanalieva expressed concerns that such a provision could lead to false accusations and asked Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Erkebek Ashirkhodzhaev to comment on how the law would work in practice. The deputy minister acknowledged that he had not had time to familiarize himself with the bill, as he was invited to the meeting on another issue.
As a result of the discussion, the deputies unanimously approved the concept of the bill.
