Constitutional Referendum in the Kyrgyz Republic
April 11, 2021
Kyrgyzstan

TURKPA Election Observation Mission led by Mr. Recep Şeker, Vice-Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Environment and Natural Resources and comprised of the parliamentarians from the member countries – Mr. Vugar Iskandarov (Azerbaijan), Yedil Mamytbekov, Amerkhan Rakhimzhanov (Kazakhstan) and Yaşar Karadağ (Turkey), as well as representatives of the Secretariat conducted a short-term monitoring of the referendum “On the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic” held on 11 April 2021.

Prior to the voting day, the Mission held meetings with Chairman of Jogorku Kenesh Mr. Talant Mamytov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ruslan Kazakbaev and Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Mrs. Nurzhan Shaildabekova.

Chairman of Jogorku Kenesh Mr. Talant Mamytov noted that all necessary measures have been taken to hold the referendum in fair, free and transparent manner, as well as to create conditions for observers. He mentioned that initiative on the referendum on Constitution is a logical continuation of the previous popular referendum held on 10 January 2021 when majority of voters voted for presidential form of government.

Head of Parliament stressed the significance of the well-established practice on monitoring elections and referendums in the member countries by TURKPA Missions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ruslan Kazakbaev expressed his gratitude to the members of the Mission for their interest and participation in monitoring process of the referendum in the Kyrgyz Republic. Minister characterized referendum as an important political process in the Kyrgyz Republic and informed on the comprehensive efforts of the leadership of the country to hold fair and transparent voting.

Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Mrs. Nurzhan Shaildabekova informed in detail the observers on the preparations for the referendum, including logistical and technical aspects.

During the meetings with their interlocutors, TURKPA Mission commended the high level of preparations for the referendum, particularly, the achievements in use of modern technologies to ensure voting rights of citizens.

The observers expressed hope that the results of the voting process would contribute to the further progress and prosperity of the country.

On the voting day, TURKPA Mission visited the polling station in Bishkek where President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov cast ballot. President welcomed the TURKPA Mission taking part in observation of the referendum in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Mission visited a number of polling stations in Bishkek and observed the voting process at all stages, having monitored casting of votes, talked to voters, polling stations' officials and local observers on the ground. Within the framework of its observation program, members of the Mission gave interview to local mass media.

TURKPA Mission also held a meeting with Election Observation Mission of Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS. The parties exchanged views on monitoring process of the referendum and cooperation between the two organisations.

On 12 April 2021, the Mission held a press conference on the outcomes of its observation and concluded that 11 April referendum in the Kyrgyz Republic was held in compliance with the national legislation and international standards.

Election/Referendum Statement