Polls opened in the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan on Sunday for a snap parliamentary election, taking place amid a backdrop of arrests of opposition figures and the closure of independent media outlets. This election is seen as an opportunity for President Sadyr Zhaparov to solidify his control over the country, which has historically been recognized as the most democratic in Central Asia.
The elections were advanced by a year, with officials citing the proximity to the next presidential elections scheduled for 2027 as justification for the change. Significant modifications to Kyrgyzstan's electoral system have also been introduced, featuring 30 constituencies, each electing three lawmakers. The Central Election Commission has reported that 467 candidates are competing for 90 seats in the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan's single-chamber parliament. Additionally, there is a gender quota in place, requiring at least one female representative from each district.
Analysts predict that candidates aligned with Zhaparov will likely dominate the elections, thanks to a rapidly growing economy that has been bolstered by Kyrgyzstan’s role in helping Russia circumvent international sanctions. Despite being one of the poorest nations to emerge from the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan is part of economic and security frameworks led by Russia, including hosting a Russian air base and receiving Moscow's economic support. In the past, it also hosted a U.S. air base used during the Afghanistan conflict.
In the lead-up to the elections, authorities in Kyrgyzstan have launched a wave of arrests, searches, and interrogations targeting opposition figures and journalists. Critics have labeled these actions as politically motivated, spurred by accusations aimed at some individuals for allegedly inciting “mass unrest.” Reports indicate that at least 10 opposition figures have been arrested, including allies of former President Almazbek Atambayev, who ruled from 2011 to 2017 and currently resides in Spain.
In his pre-election speech, Zhaparov sought to reassure the public, declaring, “There will be no coups.” His rise to power in 2020 came amidst a popular uprising against his predecessor following a disputed parliamentary vote, heightening concerns about the political climate. In an effort to stifle dissent, Zhaparov’s government has also been aggressive toward the media; a court ruling in late October classified three prominent independent journalism outlets—Kloop, Temirov Live, and AitAit Dese—as "extremist organizations," marking an unprecedented maneuver in Kyrgyzstan’s media landscape.
This ruling has effectively barred access to their websites within Kyrgyzstan and prohibited any activities led by two specific journalists tied to these outlets. This ruling was preceded by a new media law introduced by Zhaparov in August, which mandates that all media entities, including online platforms, register with state authorities. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch have condemned the Kyrgyz government for its actions to intimidate and silence reporters, activists, and critics, labeling recent laws as severe restrictions on the citizens' right to information.
Despite the U.S. State Department characterizing multiple “significant human rights issues” within Kyrgyzstan, there was a notable meeting in November when U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of five Central Asian nations, including Zhaparov. The discussions at the White House centered on accessing the region's valuable mineral resources amid growing interests from both Russia and China.
Kyrgyzstan's economy has been on a considerable upswing, with a GDP growth rate of 10% recorded from January to September of this year, supporting Zhaparov’s administration amid public discontent. Analysts perceive the parliamentary elections as a rehearsal for the impending presidential elections in January 2027, foreseeing that control over the new parliament would allow Zhaparov to effectively prepare for his presidential campaign, thereby solidifying the ruling elite's power structure in the country.
