Kyrgyzstan's leader Japarov on track for re-election
Title: Japarov's Potential Second Term: What's Next for Kyrgyzstan's President?
January 28 marked the third year since Sadyr Japarov was officially sworn in as Kyrgyzstan's president. In three more years, a new election awaits, and chances are, Japarov will be a contender - unless some unexpected event occurs before then.
This prediction stems from the words of Edil Baisalov, Japarov's deputized Prime Minister, who revealed Japarov's intentions in an interview with RFE/RL's Kyrgyz service, Radio Azattyk, on January 29. The people, hopeful under Japarov's leadership, will likely support the president for another term, Baisalov suggested, citing the anticipated significant achievements in the upcoming years.
The president's spokesman, Askat Alagozov, echoed this sentiment on January 30, stating that the long-term international projects of strategic importance warrant Japarov's participation in the elections for a second term.
However, the question remains: is Japarov eligible for another term? The constitution previously allowed only one six-year term, but in 2021, the rules were amended through a constitutional referendum, extending the limit to a maximum of two five-year terms. Whether this change applies to Japarov's case remains a topic of debate.
Although Japarov's camp insists that his eligibility is unquestionable, some argue otherwise. The constitutional limit is designed to apply to all presidents indiscriminately, yet no exceptions have been made for Japarov to this point. With the courts working closely with the presidential administration, any potential obstacles posed by the term limits may be minimized.
Hints pointing towards Japarov's desire for an extended stint in office have emerged in the past. In November, Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov (unrelated to Sadyr Japarov) stated the need for Kyrgyzstan to maintain stability until 2030 and prevent economic shocks to address the country's nearly $6 billion debt.
Security services chief Kamchybek Tashiyev, a long-time Japarov ally, went on to express his support for Jakparov's potential candidacy a month later. Despite rumors of potential discord between the two, they are keeping their differences well-hidden, if indeed any exist.
Tashiyev's now-deleted Facebook post, which suggested Japarov had the right to be reelected for a second term, added an interesting angle to the discussion. While some have speculated about power struggles and potential succession, the current situation suggests a united front.
The most definitive confirmation of Japarov's plans surfaced in a January interview with the state news agency Kabar. Japarov hinted that he intended to facilitate the repayment of Kyrgyzstan's debts over a minimum of 10-year period, implying his personal involvement and tenure in office beyond the next election.
In conclusion, Japarov's intentions appear crystal clear, and his potential candidacy for Kyrgyzstan's presidency in the next election seems all but certain. However, questions regarding his eligibility according to the nation's term limits remain unanswered and add intrigue to the unfolding political landscape in Kyrgyzstan.
The implications of Japarov's potential second term are generating discussion within the realm of Kyrgyzstan's news, policy-and-legislation, and politics, as the constitutional eligibility for another term remains uncertain. The general news also surrounds the anticipated achievements and international projects that would warrant Japarov's participation in the elections.
