The parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, February 2000

Electoral Studies, 2007

This article explores the post-Soviet political transformations experienced in Kyrgyzstan and argues that there are structural reasons for the political instability , which places obstacles to nation and state building. The fragility of the political situation is explained with reference to the 1990 and 2010 Osh riots as well as to the popular revolts of 2005 and 2010. In addition, the political and legal reforms of the post-Soviet period are evaluated. Structural reasons for the political instability, the recent transition to parliamentary system and the future of parliamentary democracy are discussed in the light of domestic and global dynamics and the socio-political history of the country.

This article argues that Kyrgyzstan's new constitution, which strengthens the parliament's powers, is mainly the result of an informal pact among multiple influential political figures who came to office in 2010. The new, regulated political environment, although largely dominated by neopatrimonial interests, has nevertheless produced the first signs of genuine political debate and fair competition. Should this trend continue, the party-and coalition-building processes will yield a more sophisticated political landscape in time for the next election. In a pessimistic scenario, this constitutional experiment will lead to even more hollow institutions and stronger reliance on patronage networks.

Electoral Studies, 2016

October’s presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan resulted in a transfer of power through the ballotbox for the first time in postSoviet Central Asia, from the self appointed caretaker government to the president-elect, the proRussian former Premier Almazbek Atambayev. The elections complete the period of instability and uncertainty that started with the violent ousting of authoritarian kleptocrat Kurmanbek Bakiev in April 2010. While Kyrgyzstan has strong potential to retain its title of “island of democracy”, weak rule of law, regionalism and growing ethnic nationalism still pose serious challenges to political stability in Central Asia.

SWP Comment, 2021

Kyrgyzstan’s presidential election and constitutional referendum on 10 January 2021 represent the provisional endpoint of a series of violent episodes that has gripped the country since October 2020. The victory of the populist Sadyr Japarov and approval for his plan to reintroduce a presidential system of government prepares the ground for a dismantling of democratic principles and rule of law, so that politically Kyrgyzstan is set to look more like its Central Asian neighbours. A new constitution is in preparation. The draft bears the portents of a neo-traditional roll-back that rebuffs a young generation demanding more democracy and rule of law, and has the potential to deeply polarise the nation.

2003

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American Foreign Policy Interests, 2007

This article is based on more than 20 interviews with Kyrgyz who spoke about the protracted crisis that has enveloped their country. In relating their observations of what is right and wrong with their country, the respondents presented a telling portrait of the most democratic state in Central Asia, including its relations with the other countries in the region and with the United States, Russia, and China, as well as the problems it faces such as drug smuggling, corruption, and the distribution of water. Moreover, this article describes the reform movement in all of its political manifestations. I made a trip to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, February 19-26, 2007, on behalf of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy. This visit was designed to assess the political situation in Kyrgyzstan. This trip followed meetings with Ambassador Zamira Sydykova at the Kyrgyzstan Embassy in Washington, D.C., who helped in setting up some of the 20 meetings that were held in Bishkek. Foreign Minister Kodyrbek Sarybaev, in turn, issued an invitation to the National Committee to visit Bishkek.

Retreating Rights: Examining the pressure on human rights in Kyrgyzstan, 2021

Executive Summary Kyrgyzstan has just experienced another period of rapid and chaotic change, the third time the country has overthrown an incumbent President in the last 15 years. This publication shows how the roots of the problem run deep. It explores how a culture of corruption and impunity have been at the heart of Kyrgyzstan's institutional failings, problems that have sometimes been overlooked or downplayed because of the comparison to challenges elsewhere in Central Asia, but that were ruthlessly exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.