Presidential Elections in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz citizens are voting today, January 10, to elect their future president and participate in a referendum regarding the form of government. The first polling stations have opened in the Russian city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, as reported by EAdaily, citing the Kyrgyz Central Electoral Commission.

A total of 2,474 polling stations have been opened, 48 of which are located abroad, mainly in Russia. More than 3.5 million voters are registered, with almost 50,000 residing outside of Kyrgyzstan.

Seventeen candidates are vying for the presidential position, including Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov (who has relinquished his powers to participate in the elections), former parliament speaker Kanatbek Isaev, and former judge Klara Soronkulova.

Voters will not only choose among presidential candidates but also select their preferred form of government. They can choose from three options: a presidential republic, a parliamentary republic, or to reject all.

The idea of transforming Kyrgyzstan into a presidential republic belongs to Sadyr Japarov's team. Currently, the country is led by Japarov's allies, with parliament speaker Talant Mamytov temporarily acting as president, and Kanchibek Tashiev serving as head of the national security committee.