DM Monitoring
Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan held presidential elections, a referendum on the form of government run parallel.
The majority of those who participated decided to support the presidential form of government. This caused a lot of controversy in the society, mainly in social networks. It is worth noting that according to preliminary data, the presidential form of government was supported by more than 80% of voters.
Many experts and political scientists have already expressed their opinions about the referendum. For example, Secretary General of the Anti-Corruption Council Nuripa Mukanova said real and strong reforms can be implemented only under a strong leader.
“The referendum passed off well. The law requires a turnout of 30% to consider a referendum success. 80% voted for a presidential form of government. I think the people’s choice should be respected.
Why did the people vote this way? I want to draw attention to debate and disputes. It seems to me that even though there was little time for campaign, groups were able to prove the point to the people.
These were young guys who spring from the people. They showed all the advantages of the presidential form of government at the moment. Practice shows that only a strong leader can bring about quick reforms,” Mukanova said.
She also noted the parliamentary form of government that existed in Kyrgyzstan was a bluff.
“People were witnessing that the party system was a bluff. There was no party system, there was a party leader. Therefore, given the international experience, especially we heard a lot about the experience of Singapore and Georgia, people came to this choice. Kyrgyzstan was also needing such a personality.
For the last 10 years the country had been living in a system of irresponsibility. One of the most important reasons for this choice is the lack of responsibility. After all, de jure we were living in a parliamentary republic, but de facto we were not,” the expert.
In addition, during the last elections and referendum there were far fewer violations compared to the elections held in October last year.
This was pointed out by international and local experts. The relevant work is being done now on those violations which were committed.
Experts note no administrative resources were involved, and they link the low turnout with the cancellation of Form-2 (the right to change electoral address), which, incidentally, caused many people’s indignation earlier.
