The Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan is taking additional measures for the organization and holding parliamentary elections in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. The voting day is scheduled for Oct. 4, respectively, the pre-election race will begin a month before - that is, Sept. 4. While everyone is actively preparing, the authorized body for holding elections is not lagging behind. As of today, an algorithm for campaigning and voting itself has already been developed. A novelty will be the restriction of gathering of people during the pre-election period, and on election day, each voter will observe all the necessary sanitary and hygienic standards. Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic Abdyzhapar Bekmatov told Kabar News Agency about the preparation process for the main event of 2020.
- How will the elections be held amid COVID-19 pandemic? There were consultations with doctors, what measures are being taken?
- Indeed, now the situation is not easy not only in Kyrgyzstan, but throughout the world. In preparing for the elections, we held consultations with colleagues from other countries where elections were held during the pandemic. The elections were held in South Korea, Poland, Russia. In addition, elections were held in Syria, where martial law was introduced. Together with the Ministry of Health, we have developed an algorithm at all stages of the elections. Today, work is underway to clarify the voter list, in connection with which operators at each precinct are provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfection is carried out and social distance is observed.
In addition, it was agreed with the parties that they hold their congresses in compliance with all norms, including not gathering more than 100 people. Subsequent mass events - concerts, sports events, including during the campaign period, are prohibited. We urged parties to work as much as possible through the media. By the way, this year 224 media outlets have been accredited, which is much more than in previous years.
Also, we previously had conducted training for employees on the eve of the elections. This time everything takes place online. For each polling station, we purchased a tablet and a projector so that employees could study all the stages of voting.
- How much money has been allocated from the state budget to organize the elections? In addition, with which international organizations do you cooperate and receive financial support?
- 446 million soms were allocated from the state budget for the elections. Cooperation with international organizations and other countries is underway. We work through UNDP, OSCE and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems. Namely, we shoot all our videos, buy tablets, etc.
I would like to note that at the expense of donor funds, we purchase a mask and gloves for each voter. That is, everyone who comes to vote will receive a mask and gloves. We will purchase a total for 60 million soms. CEC members, observers and journalists who will cover the elections will be provided with protective suits. We will distribute two PPEs, each of which is for 8 hours.
- If the epidemiological situation in the country worsens before the elections, is there a possibility that the elections can be held online and is the CEC ready for such a format?
- We will not be able to hold elections online. The legal framework does not allow us to do this. Besides, we are not ready technically. In general, electronic elections are held in many countries, but whether the people will believe the results is another question. Today we are doing everything to raise the level of the people for the elections, we are entering biometric data and automatically reading ballot boxes.
- Since 2015, elections in Kyrgyzstan have been held using biometric data. There are still many who have not submitted their data, how are things going in these elections?
- Indeed, we conduct elections based on biometric data. Biometric data is collected by the authorized body - the State Registration Service. Data can be submitted to the Public Service Centers. Abroad, data can be submitted at embassies, consulates and government offices in these countries. For example, there are offices of the State Migration Service.
- Due to the pandemic, this year some local elections were canceled indefinitely. When do you intend to hold the canceled elections, and can they be held together with the parliamentary ones - in order to save money?
- Some local elections were canceled, right during the campaigning period due to the epidemiological situation. Today, if the head of state makes a decision, the CEC will be able to hold parallel elections to local councils. Moreover, we already have a similar experience. If you remember, in 2016 we held a referendum and local elections.
- How ready are polling stations abroad, especially in Russia, where there are a large number of our compatriots?
- Earlier, 36 polling stations were opened abroad, this time 44 are prepared. We are working with embassies and representatives of state bodies. We held negotiations with colleagues and we will be provided with technical assistance. Today, work is also underway abroad to clarify voter lists. This year we opened additional 5 more polling stations, so there will be 11 polling stations throughout Russia.
- According to the requirements of the Central Election Commission, campaigning can start only from Sept. 4. But with the approach of the campaigning, many political associations began to publish paid advertisements on social networks, although since Aug. 19, after the nomination of candidates, such activities are prohibited. Is advertising of parties in social networks a violation of the requirements of the CEC and the rules of campaigning? And also, is there a law that says that campaigning on social networks is prohibited?
- We do not have a law that will separately regulate social networks, as we do with the media. However, campaigning on social networks, as well as on the street, for example, is prohibited. We are working to identify and suppress such campaigning on social networks. Warnings have already been issued to three parties.
Kabar News Agency