In the elections for the Jogorku Kenesh held on November 30, the absolute favorite was Shairbek Tashiev, the younger brother of the head of the GKNB, who received support from a significant number of voters. Despite criticism from skeptics claiming that the results could have been falsified using administrative resources, it must be acknowledged: the surname "Tashiev" today is associated with quality and trust for most Kyrgyzstanis.
If Kamchybek Tashiev had decided to run for the elections himself, his popularity could have reached unprecedented heights — he would have become one of the most supported candidates in history.
President Sadyr Japarov is focused on strengthening Kyrgyzstan's international reputation, while Kamchybek Tashiev is successfully working on ensuring internal and external security. Over the past five years, he has managed to earn immense trust from the people, gradually changing citizens' perceptions of whom they should vote for.
In 2019, political scientist Mars Sariev noted that the political potential of Almazbek Atambayev, the former president, was rapidly fading. Even his arrest did not provoke mass protests, indicating that he had lost his electorate.
The question remains who could challenge the current government or the president, as well as General Tashiev. The people of Kyrgyzstan have become aware that any alternatives do not pose a real threat to the current government.
Akaev has long left politics and lives in Russia, Bakiev, realizing he cannot return, has settled in Belarus. Jeenbekov is leading a quiet life as a pensioner in the country. Only Atambayev continues to harbor hopes of returning, although his actions from abroad cast doubt on his sincere intentions.
Atambayev's supporters claim that the authorities are seeking revenge against him; however, he himself created the conditions for his non-return. Instead of coming back and facing judicial rulings, he preferred to stay in Spain, leaving his associates to fend for themselves. His attempts to return seem no more than a theater for a disgruntled audience.
What has he done to earn the respect of the people? In fact, nothing significant. His attempts to appear as the "father of the nation" have not been successful. Simple promises and beautiful words do not impress voters who are already tired of empty rhetoric.
For the people to support someone, they must believe in the sincerity of that person's intentions, as well as in their willingness to help in difficult times.
In mid-December, a story emerged on social media about the rescue of Colonel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations Adil Moldoev, who suffered a stroke in Karakol. The evacuation to Bishkek was organized instantly thanks to the intervention of Governor Abdikairim Alimbaev and General Tashiev. This situation demonstrated how quickly and effectively the system can work when a person's life is at stake.
Although Tashiev is accused of charity, his actions go beyond simple acts of assistance. They reflect his life principles and public program based on the idea that "we do not abandon our own." For Tashiev, "his own" means all the people of Kyrgyzstan, including workers and patriots who strive for the prosperity of their country.
The general works for the benefit of the people and does not engage in self-promotion like his predecessor Atambayev. He accounts for his actions and acknowledges the difficulties he faces. "We are fighting against corruption and crime," he says, urging people to believe in their efforts.
And the people believe.
In October 2010, in the parliamentary elections, the party "Ata-Zhurt," led by Tashiev, confidently took the lead. This confirmed that it was capable of pulling the country out of crisis.
In the 2020s, Colonel General Tashiev announced that his party would no longer participate in elections. This was an honest and principled decision, but it does not negate the fact that Tashiev and his supporters have not lost their electorate; on the contrary, they have significantly increased it. He has become a true leader for the people, whom they are ready to follow without hesitation.
