MPs propose to abolish the institution of disctrict keneshes (councils) and transfer their functions on nomination of heads of local administrations (akims) to members of town and village keneshes. This and other innovations were discussed by experts and politicians.
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (May 18, 2012) – Members of Parliament, representatives of the Kyrgyz Central Election Commission, Supreme Court, Prosecutor General's Office, Ministry of Interior, NGOs and political parties discussed draft amendments to the laws "On local elections" and "On local self-governance." Kyrgyz Parliament will have to adopt new amendments to electoral laws on local elections before their summer recess as local elections are planned for the fall of 2012.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) proposed to change procedure for early voting in local elections, authorize the individual candidates with the right to appoint their own observers and reduce the threshold of votes, required for a candidate to pass in order to get back the election money deposit.
"The new law has been tested during local elections in March 2012, but the actors were faced with many challenges. Widespread local elections are scheduled for the fall, so the law must be brought into line to eliminate contradictions and discrepancies in the electoral legislation. There are supporters of the multi-mandate election, but it was before and now it's impossible" said Tuigunaaly Abdraimov, head of CEC. He noted that ordinary citizens, who are willing to contribute to society, must be able to participate in elections: "There should not be nomination only by party list. Political parties and self-nominated candidates should run for elections equally".
MP Kenzhebek Bokoev emphasized that "the district keneshes shall not be a separate institution, and will assemble from local keneshes to make decisions on the following three issues: nomination of heads of local administrations (akims) to be appointed by the Prime Minister, confidence in, impeachment of akim and consideration of the annual report of akim”. District keneshes are valid with 100% participation of local keneshes of the relevant district. The MP noted that other authorities and functions local kenesh deputies remain unchanged.
Participants of roundtable also discussed legal contradictions in nomination and registration of candidates and lists of candidates, the role of political parties in forming local representative bodies and in electoral processes, peculiarities of covering electoral processes and protection of electoral rights.
This discussion was organized with the assistance of the UNDP Kyrgyz Elections Support Project (KESP), which is funded by European Union, Governments of Austria and Germany and UNDP.
KESP is implemented by UNDP since May 2010 with financial support of the European Union, the Governments of Austria, Germany, Japan, DFID, the Soros Foundation and UNDP.
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