Elections to Local Councils in Kyrgyzstan: President Sadyr Japarov Addresses the Nation

The president highlighted that both local council and parliamentary elections have a direct impact on the nation’s future for the next five years. “Those you elect will be responsible for improving the quality of life in the regions and for the country’s development,” Japarov stated. He called on citizens to make informed choices, saying, “You know the abilities of your candidates in each region. Choose wisely, not those who will drag us down, but those who are worthy. In today’s fast-changing world, every day, and sometimes every hour, is crucial for our progress.”

Japarov reassured the public that the government is not interfering in the electoral process. He firmly stated that the days when the government would influence elections by favoring or rejecting candidates are over. “Any civil servant found interfering in the elections to promote a particular candidate will be severely punished,” the president warned.

He also reminded voters that elections take place only once every five years, and that even a short amount of time spent voting can determine the fate of a region or city for the next half-decade. “Voting is a step towards change. Let’s begin these changes with ourselves,” he urged.

The elections, which will be held on November 17, 2024, include contests for local council seats as well as elections for deputies in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. According to the Central Election Commission, 39 political parties have submitted 188 lists of candidates for deputy positions in 33 city councils. Meanwhile, the head of the State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, has ordered a thorough investigation into each candidate to ensure none have ties to crime or corruption.