CEC Chairman calls low voter turnout biggest problem in elections

11:41, 21 февраля 2025, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency

The biggest problem in the election process in Kyrgyzstan is low voter turnout. The Chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums (CEC), Tynchtyk Shainazarov, said at a briefing.

He noted that voter turnout has been very low in recent years. And he told how the CEC intends to solve the problem.

«There is a practice in the world, when people are fined for not participating in elections, but voting is, first and foremost, a constitutional right. Therefore, we plan to increase turnout through explanatory work, increasing transparency, and the use of new technologies. The CEC has the capability to implement remote and electronic voting,» Tynchtyk Shainazarov said.

He clarified that 82 percent of voters voted during electronic voting in the elections of deputies of local councils in Batken region in 2024. Kyrgyzstanis from 18 countries participated in the voting.

«But, since there are certain risks, these issues are currently at the stage of discussion and revision. However, I believe that in the future this system will work at full capacity and we will be able to provide all citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic abroad with the opportunity to vote,» the head of the CEC added.

Speaking about other ways to increase voter turnout, he noted that he is not against some measures proposed by deputies. For example, Marlen Mamataliev proposed holding a lottery on election day to stimulate voters.

Tynchtyk Shainazarov was appointed the new Chairman of the Central Election Commission by the decision of the commission members on February 10. Before that, he held the position of Deputy Chairman of the CEC. Shainazarov replaced Nurzhan Shaildabekova, who resigned voluntarily.