Kamchybek Tashiev
The Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS), Kamchybek Tashiev, has announced that his allies from the Ata Zhurt party will not participate in the local government elections scheduled for November 17. Tashiev, as one of the party's founders, made this decision, which he communicated via his Facebook account.
Tashiev explained that due to his high-ranking government position, he considers it inappropriate for representatives of a party associated with his name to participate in the elections. He further stated that this moratorium would extend to the parliamentary elections planned for 2026.
Anticipating questions about Ata Zhurt's participation in the 2021 parliamentary elections, Tashiev cited his busy schedule at the time. He claimed he was too preoccupied to pay attention to the elections and gave his consent when party members asked for permission.
However, Tashiev noted that his allies are free to participate in elections under any other party banner they choose, emphasizing that the main goal is for deputies to continue working for the benefit of the people.
The security chief assured voters that he does not support any political group and will not allow influential civil servants to assist any candidates. He also urged citizens not to «sell their votes» and to carefully consider the process, avoiding candidates involved in corruption or linked to criminal activities.
Tashiev concluded by expressing his shared dream with President Sadyr Japarov of building clean elections, a clean society, and a strong, prosperous Kyrgyzstan.
The announcement comes after President Japarov signed a decree on September 6 dissolving and appointing new deputies to local councils due to changes in administrative-territorial boundaries. Elections for 249 local government bodies are set for November 17, with the term of elected representatives now extended to five years from the previous four.
