Number of Kyrgyz MPs propose to hold referendum on Constitution

Bishkek, Nov. 18, 2020. /Kabar/. A number of deputies propose to hold a referendum on amendments to the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic on Jan. 10, 2021.

According to the press service of the Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyz Parliament), the corresponding bill, initiated by 80 MPs, is submitted for public discussion

The need for constitutional reform is due to many factors, including existing contradictions and gaps in the provisions of the current Constitution, the ineffectiveness of the established system of government and the lack of mechanisms for its accountability. These circumstances have not become legal instruments for real progress in the economic and social spheres, which causes reasonable criticism of the authorities by society and citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The main novelties in the draft of the new version of the Constitution, while retaining a significant number of constitutional norms that have already demonstrated their legal orientation, are the specification and layout of all rights and freedoms of citizens, the introduction of the institution of Narodnyi Kurultai (a representative form of citizens’ participation in the discussion and decision making on issues of state and public importance), reformatting of the institutions of the President and the Government with head of state responsible for the formation and work of the Government, the specification of the institution of parliament by number of members and other legislative innovations.

Thus, the bill proposes to establish the highest advisory, consultative and coordinating body of the people's power in the form of Narodnyi Kurultai.

According to the new Basic Law, the number of deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh is reduced from 120 to 90.

During 25 years of independence, the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan, adopted in 1993, has been changed 11 times.

The Constitution adopted in 2010 stipulated that the Basic Law cannot be amended or supplemented until 2020. This was done in order to prevent any new authorities from changing the document each time for themselves.