Kirgisistan/Bischkek
«Referendum: The question is simply wrong!»

Макс Георг Майер, координатор пректов ФХЗ в Центаральной Азии

Acting President Talant Mamytov signed a law on holding a referendum (popular vote) to determine the form of government in Kyrgyzstan.

The law was adopted by the Parliament of the republic on December 10, 2020.

The adopted document provides for scheduling the referendum throughout the country for Sunday, January 10, 2021.

Question regarding the form of government in the Kyrgyz Republic is submitted to the referendum:

• Presidential republic,
• Parliamentary republic,
• None of the above.

But I am afraid that this question is simply wrong.

I spoke to some colleagues and experts and  they all came to the same conclusion: Voters could get the impression that they have to vote if to eliminate the Kyrgyz parliament or not.

But this is to my understanding the wrong way. The question which was discussed now for weeks was and is who should lead the government and also be responsible for the work of the government – the president or a prime minister? Until now tasks and responsibilities were splitted between president and prime minister which was not always transparent and also not effective, also claiming too much financial and staff resources.

If people vote in this case that the president should be the head of the executive then Kyrgyzstan needs also a strong parliament to control him and his administration and to secure a balance of power in the country.

You remember better than me the periods of ousted presidents Akajev and Bakijev: They were controlling fully president administration, prime minister with his government and also via their political parties the parliament (Alga Kyrgyzstan, Ak Tschol). All the power in one hand, no real parliamentarian control and the result always a disaster for the country.

Also the third alternative for answer in the referendum “None of the above” does not make any sense. Will you manage the country without president and parliament?

I repeat myself here: “Saskan seytandin isi!”.