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Kyrgyzstan
At stake: Supreme Council
Background
In 1990, an amendment to the Soviet constitution allowed for the involvement of non-Communist parties in the political arena. The Kyrgyz Communist Party opposed the changes and imposed a state of emergency after ethnic clashes ensued. The legislature eventually picked Askar Akayev—one of the ruling party’s reformists—as president.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan achieved its independence in 1991. Akayev won an election unopposed and remained as head of state. In 1993, the country drafted its first post-Soviet constitution, which established legislative elections. In 1995, Akayev was re-elected as president, with more than 70 per cent of all cast ballots.
A year later, new constitutional amendments were instituted after a referendum, consolidating presidential powers in Kyrgyzstan. Akayev would be re-elected again in 2000, in a presidential ballot criticized by international observers. Kyrgyzstan is strategically important for the United States and Russia. Both countries have military bases there.
In 2002, a crackdown on opposition figures saw the arrest of lawmaker Azimbek Beknazarov and the death of human rights activist Sherali Nazarkulov after a hunger strike. Ar-Namys (Dignity) party leader Feliks Kulov—who had been arrested in 2000 for alleged abuse of office—was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In March 2002, protesters demanding the release of Beknazarov clashed with police in Jalal-Abad, resulting in five deaths. In May, a special commission found top-level officials were responsible for the violent incident. Prime minister Kurmanbek Bakiyev resigned and was replaced by Nikolai Tanayev. Beknazarov was released in May, but another demonstration took place six months later in Bishkek, calling for Akayev’s resignation.
In February 2003, a new government-sponsored plebiscite cleared the way for fresh constitutional amendments, meant to allow the legislative branch to play a more active role in political life. In June, the Legislative Assembly granted the president immunity from prosecution.
The 2005 parliamentary election led to allegations of fraud and widespread protests all over the country. Weeks of tension ended with Akayev’s resignation on Apr. 11.
Click here for Kyrgyzstan 2005 Supreme Council Election Tracker
That same year, Akayev’s daughter Bermet returned to the country and took her seat in the legislative branch.
Kurmanbek Bakiyev —who was appointed as acting president and prime minister following the political crisis— won the snap presidential election that took place on Jul. 10 with 88.65 per cent of the vote. Bakiyev was head of the People’s Movement of Kyrgyzstan (NDK) and had participated in several anti-government demonstrations.
Click here for Kyrgyzstan 2005 Presidential Election Tracker
On Jul. 12, Bakiyev appointed Ar-Namys (Dignity) party leader Feliks Kulov as acting first deputy prime minister. The president was officially inaugurated on Aug. 14. Kulov had just recently been released from prison.
Throughout 2006, several anti-corruption demonstrations took place in Kyrgyzstan.
On Nov. 9, Bakiyev signed a new Constitution into law. The new Charter, which sought to limit presidential powers, continued to be under scrutiny for the following months.
On Dec. 19, the entire cabinet resigned, including prime minister Kulov. Just days later, parliament introduced new constitutional reforms restoring some of the presidential powers—all under pressure from Bakiyev.
On Jan. 15, 2007, the president signed into law yet another Constitution. That same month, Azim Isabekov was appointed prime minister. Isabekov resigned in March, and Bakiyev named prominent opposition leader Almaz Atambayev to the post.
2007 Supreme Council Election Tracker
On Sept. 14, the Constitutional Court of Kyrgyzstan ruled that the two sets of recent constitutional amendments were illegal and brought back the 2003 constitution into effect.
President Bakiyev called for a referendum in order to restore some of the articles ruled as invalid by the Supreme Court. The ballot also included a proposal to change the country’s electoral system by implementing a proportional representation model.
On Oct. 15, a new pro-presidential party, Ak Zhol (Bright Path), was launched. Bakiyev was asked to become chairman, but declined due to constitutional limitations.
The referendum took place on Oct. 21. On Oct. 22, preliminary results showed that more than 75 per cent of voters accepted both changes. Bakiyev signed all the accepted provisions into law, dissolved parliament, and called an early election for Dec. 16, declaring, “I was completely sure that the people would show activity and support the referendum. I am sure that successful referendum will become a factor that will put an end to all political intrigues and speculations on the issue, and we will directly occupy ourselves with practical work aimed at improving people’s life.”
Electoral changes introduced after the October referendum include a new party-list voting system and a higher number of lawmakers—from 75 to 90. Critics of the reforms insist small and independent parties will disappear in the new system, and fear Bakiyev will increase his power this way.
International observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) denounced several irregularities during the referendum. OSCE ambassador Marcus Muller said observers noted “a high number of violations” and expressed concern about widespread disinformation about the ballot topics.
The United States Embassy also issued a statement saying the referendum “did not meet international standards”, adding, “We share the concern of the OSCE about reports of irregularities, including credible reports of ballot-box stuffing and inflated voter participation figures.” The government said voter turnout surpassed the 80 per cent mark.
Members of the non-partisan monitoring organization Taza Shailoo also denounced fraud. Kanat Kasmaliev, the director, declared: “One can’t say that this was a free and fair vote. (…) There were flagrant, obvious, and systematic legal violations.” Kasmaliev also accused local election commissions of allowing the deceitful practices.
On Oct. 23, Bakiyev referred to the upcoming vote, saying, “The country will receive a parliament made up of worthy people, chosen for their ideas and not their money.”
On Oct. 24, opposition politician Kubatbek Baibolov said: “We are uniting in light of Bakiyev’s growing dictatorship.” Baibolov is expected to work together with Omurbek Tekebayev in the Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party, in order to reach the five per cent threshold required to earn seats in the legislature.
On Nov. 28, Iskenderbek Aidaraliyev became acting prime minister, substituting Almaz Atambayev.
Voting took place on Dec. 16. Preliminary results showed the pro-presidential Ak Zhol (Bright Path) party with 47.8 per cent of the vote. More importantly, the party met the new requirement of obtaining more than 0.5 per cent of the vote in each of the country’s seven regions and two large cities.
Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) official Kimmo Kiljunen declared: “I am personally disappointed that there is now a backsliding in the elections process.” The OSCE said the process in Kyrgyzstan failed to meet democratic standards.
Opposition politicians expressed disappointment with the outcome. Duishenkul Chotonov of the Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party said the country is “heading for dictatorship.” Almaz Atambayev of the Social-Democratic Party said: “If the opposition doesn’t get into parliament it will be like a bomb in the country. If the opposition is not represented they will take to the streets.”
Final results released by the Central Election Commission (CEC) gave Ak Zhol 71 of the 90 seats at stake, followed by the Social-Democratic Party with 11 mandates, and the Party of Communists of Kyrgyzstan with eight seats. The Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party did not elect a single candidate after failing to reach the 0.5 per cent threshold in Osh.
The legislature met for the first time on Dec. 21.
Political Players
President: Kurmanbek Bakiyev
Acting prime minister: Iskenderbek Aidaraliyev
The president is elected to a five-year term by popular vote.
Legislative Branch: Following an October 2007 referendum, the Joghorku Kenes (Legislative Assembly) will have 90 members, elected to five-year terms through proportional representation with a five per cent threshold. In order to earn seats, parties must garner more than 0.5 per cent of the vote in each of the country’s seven regions and two large cities.
President - Jul. 10, 2005
|
Vote% |
|
|
Kurmanbek Bakiyev |
88.65% |
|
Tursunbai Bakir-uul |
3.94% |
|
Akbaraly Aitikeyev |
3.68% |
|
Zhapar Dzheksheyev |
0.91% |
|
Toktoim Umetaliyeva |
0.52% |
|
Keneshbek Dushebaev |
0.52% |
|
Against all candidates |
0.91% |
Legislative Assembly - Dec. 16, 2007
|
Vote% |
Seats |
|
|
Ak Zhol (Bright Path) |
47.43% |
71 |
|
Ata-Meken (Fatherland) |
9.51% |
-- |
|
Social-Democratic Party |
4.65% |
11 |
|
Party of Communists of Kyrgyzstan |
2.78% |
8 |
|
Turan Democratic Party |
1.95% |
-- |
|
Ar-Namys (Dignity) |
1.43% |
-- |
|
Progressive Democratic Party "Erkin Kyrgyyzstan" (ERK) |
0.85% |
-- |
|
Party of National Revival "Asaba" (Asaba) |
0.78% |
-- |
|
Erkindik (Freedom) |
0.61% |
-- |
|
Aalam (Universe) Party of Independent People |
0.53% |
-- |
|
Glas Naroda (Voice of the People) |
0.35% |
-- |
|
Novaya Sila (New Power) |
0.23% |
-- |
|
Against all parties |
0.23% |
-- |