Petition for Early Presidential Elections. How Did Former Officials Comment on the Appeal?

Юлия Воробьева Politics
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The topic of early presidential elections in the Kyrgyz Republic became the subject of active discussion in early February 2026, especially against the backdrop of recent parliamentary elections held ahead of schedule. Public opinion has noticeably changed since the deputies of the VII convocation of the Jogorku Kenesh approved a law setting the presidential elections for January 24, 2027.

The initiative for holding the vote was voiced in an open letter signed by 75 representatives from various fields — from politicians to businessmen and cultural figures.

So far, the presidential administration has not provided an official response to this appeal.

The essence of the appeal In the letter, the signatories emphasize that "the current president was elected in 2021 under the old Constitution, which provided for a six-year term." In April of the same year, a new Constitution was adopted, stating that the president can be elected for two five-year terms.
On May 5, 2021, the Law "On the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic" came into force, which clarifies the terms of presidential powers. In paragraph 1 of Article 3, it is stated that "the President elected in 2021 for six years exercises powers in accordance with the new Constitution, and this term is considered the first."

The appeal also mentions that lawyers and political figures are divided into two opinions: some believe that early elections are the only way out of the situation, while others suggest waiting until the end of the six-year term.

The signatories are confident that early elections will help avoid various interpretations and disputes, as well as appeals to the Constitutional Court.

CollapseKaktus.media attempted to find out from some signatories whether they truly support this appeal and how closely they familiarized themselves with its content.

Some former officials did not answer calls, while others even refused to identify themselves.

Olympic champion Kanybek Osmonaliev stated that he did not sign any letter. "I am not a politician, no one has approached me," he said, adding that he is often confused with a former deputy.

Meanwhile, Kerim Turapov, a people's artist and former deputy, declined to communicate, citing treatment in a hospital.

Composer Ataybek Bodoshev noted that he had not seen the letter but supports the idea of early elections, assuring that "the time has come." According to him, the current problems mentioned in the letter need to be resolved.

"I have long stepped away from politics, but I was asked to sign this letter, and I agreed, as there were acquaintances among the initiators. The issues mentioned are still relevant, and there is much work ahead," added poet Akbar Ryskulov.

However, he did not name those who suggested he sign the appeal but noted that he trusts these people.

Former Minister Kurbanbek Dyikanbaev confirmed that he signed the letter and agrees with its content. "There are positive changes in the country, but problems remain: rising prices, external debt. Political will is needed to complete reforms, and early elections can help with this," he noted.

Dyikanbaev also mentioned poverty among the population, adding that many homes remain without electricity and that high prices heavily impact citizens' wallets.

Renowned surgeon Mitallip Mamytov confirmed his support for the idea of early elections, stating: "I signed this appeal to prevent any abuses. We presented all the arguments."

Former ambassador to Turkey Ibrahim Junusov also confirmed his signature but refused to comment on who provided him with the document. "I support early elections; let the people decide whom to elect. Some points in the appeal I do not like, but I am already in the hospital and cannot comment," he added.

Former Minister Maksat Dyikanov explained his signature by the lack of compliance with constitutional norms. "The government has achieved results, but there are problems in the country. We want it to develop," he noted.

Dyikanov did not say who suggested he sign, emphasizing that it is not important. He also added that there are many smart people in the country ready to run for president.

Askarbek Jumagulov, chairman of the Veterans Council of the Chui region, confirmed that he signed the appeal but did not familiarize himself with it in detail. "If it does not contradict the president's policy, I support it," he said.

Former Prime Minister Turusbek Chyngyshyev also confirmed his awareness of the content of the appeal and expressed support for the current president Sadyr Japarov, adding that he needs a new program for the second stage of the country's development.

Public figure from the Batken region Ashyrbay Jusupov confirmed his signature under the appeal but refused to discuss details. "I just want stability and wish for Sadyr Japarov to remain president," he said and ended the conversation.

Kubat Osmonbetov, Hero of Labor of the Kyrgyz Republic, said that he had only partially familiarized himself with the letter, adding that he supports the president's policy. "I like that a railway is being built between China and Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan. But the appeal did not mention poverty and high prices," he noted.

Chairman of the public organization "Issyk-Kul" Mukash Mambetov evaded comments, citing being busy in a meeting.
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