Elections of mayors have been canceled in Kyrgyzstan. Now they will be appointed by the president

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed a law abolishing the elections of mayors of cities, reported in the press service. Now the heads of districts will be appointed by the president on the proposal of the government. He will also appoint mayors of cities of regional and republican significance.

The law spells out the qualification requirements and restrictions imposed on candidates for the posts of heads of districts and the mayor.

Announcing the signed law, Zhaparov warned that now akims of the districts will be “in charge” for problems on the ground. “The head of the district is empowered to hear reports from the heads of territorial subdivisions of state bodies, as well as heads of executive bodies of local self-government in terms of the state powers delegated to him, with the exception of statistics, national security, internal affairs and local bodies of military administration,” quotes press service of the president “Interfax”.

Prior to the adoption of the new law, mayors of cities of regional significance in Kyrgyzstan were elected by a majority vote of the deputies of local councils. The coalition majority of the city council and the head of government had the right to nominate candidates for the position of mayors.

The administrative reform was carried out under the pretext of improving the quality of local self-government, which allegedly receives a huge number of complaints. “Compared to previous years, this year the number of citizens’ appeals to the Presidential Administration has doubled. In the first ten months of last year, 5,800 applications were received, and over 9 months of this year – over 10,500 applications, ”Zhaparov said. According to him, “local officials are indifferent to the problems of citizens.”

The head of state also said that the decisions of the supreme power are not being implemented. “The decisions taken by the central authorities aimed at places for implementation are not being finalized,” he added.

The President called on the Interior Ministry and the State Committee for National Security to strengthen control over civil society institutions, especially during elections. “With regard to those organizations that threaten our statehood, national security and interfere in our internal political processes,” punitive measures will be taken.

“We still have politicians who have made it a habit to involve citizens in politics on a national basis. Such situations intensify divisions and impede the unity of the people, ”Japarov added. He called for “not to allow dishonest elections and provocations”, which are fraught with “upheavals and revolutions.”

Extraordinary parliamentary elections are scheduled for November 28 in Kyrgyzstan. The previous elections, held a year ago, led to massive protests and the resignation of President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. The voting results were annulled, and opposition leader Sadyr Japarov, freed from prison by the protesters, became the new head of state.