Given the fact that none of the international declarations, conventions or covenants establishes a type of electoral or party systems, which is more democratic than others, it is a sole prerogative of a sovereign state to decide, which system to follow - majoritarian, proportional representation, mixed, or any other – while starting or continuing the process of democratization. The problem is that incumbent politicians can manipulate the electoral system in such a way as to ensure victory during next elections to preserve their power. Kyrgyzstan is precisely such a case. Although, during 14 years of country’s independence the electoral system has undergone major transformations three times, the current electoral system can hardly be named democratic. Furthermore, after the Kyrgyz opposition took over power on 24th March, 2005, one of the first requirements of the civil society was revision of the constitution, including reformation of the electoral system.
Having come across The New International IDEA Handbook on Electoral System Design, it became increasingly interesting for me to make an attempt to design the electoral system for Kyrgyzstan to make it more democratic. Apart from using the handbook on Electoral System Design, the methods of research include analysis of reports of international organizations such as OSCE and ICG related to the topic.
Hypothesis of the author is the following. In order to ‘democratize’ Kyrgyzstan, i.e. to make the decision-making process more inclusive, to ensure that majority of voices is heard, and to secure that regional, clan and minorities’ interests are taken into account, it is necessary, inter alia, to introduce Parallel electoral system, i.e. half of the seats in the parliament is to be elected by FPTP run-off in single-member constituencies while the other half of the seats is to be elected by PR closed party lists.
Table of Contents
1. Seminar II “Electoral Systems and Political Parties”
2. Introduction
3. Evolving of the Kyrgyz Electoral System since 1991
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this work is to design a more democratic electoral system for Kyrgyzstan that fosters inclusivity, ensures that the voice of the majority is heard, and accounts for the diverse regional, clan, and minority interests within the country. The author argues for the implementation of a parallel electoral system to replace existing mechanisms and address deep-seated issues like corruption and lack of representative accountability.
- Analysis of the historical evolution of Kyrgyzstan's electoral system since 1991.
- Evaluation of the current political environment, including tribalism and the North-South divide.
- Proposing a parallel electoral system with a unicameral 100-member parliament.
- Addressing gender representation through "zippered" party lists.
- Mitigating the risk of radicalism and extremism through institutional mechanisms.
Excerpt from the Book
Parallel system in Kyrgyzstan: advantages and disadvantages.
So, taking into account particularities of the Kyrgyz society and the Kyrgyz history of the electoral system, I would argue that it is appropriate to have a unicameral 100-member parliament with Parallel system, where half (50) of MPs are to be elected according to FPTP run-off in single-mandate constituencies, while another half (50) of MPs are to be elected by PR closed party lists. To provide valid arguments and support to this thesis it seems to be reasonable to consider advantages and disadvantage of it keeping in mind six laid down criteria for the electoral design.
Fifty candidates, who have to be elected by FPTP run-off system in single-member constituencies, can be either independent candidates or party members. It is important to provide opportunity for independent candidates to run in the elections because purely party system will indirectly violate the Kyrgyz constitution (according to which citizens of Kyrgyzstan have a right to elect and to be elected) because people should not be forced to join any party to contest in the elections and to represent a party agenda. Moreover, during the last parliamentary elections the number of independent candidates was 351 out of 425. This number shows that in Kyrgyzstan institution of independent candidates is quite important. Fifty seats in the parliament for independent candidates will probably create even more competition than for 75 seats but absence of possibility to contest in the elections independently would spur up discontent in the population, which might assume that the presidential party want to usurp all power by ensuring victory of his party.
Summary of Chapters
Seminar II “Electoral Systems and Political Parties”: Provides the formal context of the seminar and the topic of the paper regarding the democratization of Kyrgyzstan.
Introduction: Outlines the problem of political manipulation in electoral systems and establishes the hypothesis that a parallel system can improve democratic inclusivity in Kyrgyzstan.
Evolving of the Kyrgyz Electoral System since 1991: Reviews the historical changes in the Kyrgyz parliament and identifies the challenges posed by a clan-based society and corruption.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the need for a stable, inclusive electoral framework that addresses regional and social tensions to ensure future political stability.
Keywords
Kyrgyzstan, Electoral System, Democratization, Parallel System, Parliamentary Elections, Political Parties, Representation, Gender Equality, Vote-buying, Political Stability, Single-member constituencies, Closed party lists, Minority rights, Reform, Governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The paper examines the democratization of Kyrgyzstan through the lens of reforming its parliamentary electoral system, arguing that the current system is insufficient and subject to political manipulation.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the history of Kyrgyz elections, the influence of clan-based social structures, gender representation in politics, and the mechanisms to prevent electoral corruption.
What is the main goal or research question?
The goal is to design an electoral system for Kyrgyzstan that is more inclusive, accountable, and representative of the nation's diverse ethnic and regional population.
Which methodology does the author utilize?
The author uses a comparative and analytical approach, drawing on the "New International IDEA Handbook on Electoral System Design" and reports from international organizations like the OSCE and ICG.
What does the main body of the work address?
It provides a critical review of past electoral failures in Kyrgyzstan and details the advantages and potential challenges of implementing a parallel electoral system with 50 single-member and 50 proportional representation seats.
Which keywords characterize this work best?
Key terms include Kyrgyzstan, Democratization, Parallel Electoral System, Political Reform, and Representation.
How does the proposed system address the "gender problem"?
The author proposes the introduction of "zippered" party lists where men and women are evenly alternated, ensuring better opportunities for women to be elected to parliament.
Why is the 2005 political shift considered a turning point in the text?
The 24th of March 2005 represents a historical moment where the opposition took power, creating a unique opportunity for constitutional and electoral revision.
What role do independent candidates play in the author's proposal?
Independent candidates are seen as essential for maintaining democratic legitimacy and public trust, given their historical prominence in Kyrgyz electoral participation.
How does the author propose dealing with potential extremism?
The author suggests using a five-percent threshold for party lists and legal prohibitions against parties with agendas that contradict the national laws of Kyrgyzstan.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Irina Wolf (Autor:in), 2006, Democratization of Kyrgyzstan through Reformation of the Electoral System, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/130071
