Addressing the first session of the Jogorku Kenesh, President Roza Otunbayeva outlined the immediate goals and objectives for the parliament, and urged its newly elected members to put the country’s needs above personal ambitions and party interests. Otunbayeva also confirmed her confidence in parliamentary democracy, and highlighted the achievements of the interim government.
A short summary of the key points of the president’s remarks is provided below. A full text (in Russian) is available here.
On Immediate Goals and Objectives for the Parliament
For the first time in Kyrgyz history, the Jogorku Kenesh will not be pressured by a party of power or the government.
Because none of the parties won a majority in the election, I will chose a party bloc to form a majority, nominate a prime minister, and draft a structure for a new government and its agenda within 15 working days. Securing a unanimous decision on such a complex issue will require considerable effort. Therefore, I am asking you to rise above political interests and personal ambitions, and to confirm a prime minister and a new government by November 27, in the name of the unity and interests of our people, your voters.
The new government should include highly educated professionals. The main criteria for government service should not be party affiliation, but professional qualities. The government should be staffed with people who have management experience, are well versed in economics, social and cultural spheres, including those without any party affiliation, as well as members of the parties that lost the elections.
On Political Future of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is at a historic threshold, entering a new phase of political development based on truly democratic values. Without any doubt, the country and its people are facing difficult and significant challenges. However, I am confident that we have chosen the right course.
Some politicians and political experts cast doubt on the people’s choice of parliamentary democracy. They believe that parliamentary democracy does not suit our country, and that the country needs a strong authority figure. However, more than 80 percent of the Kyrgyz electorate voted for the new constitution and parliamentary form of governance.
We must work tirelessly to instill a new political culture in Kyrgyzstan that would correspond with the new political strategy, supported by the people. A return to the past will unavoidably lead to totalitarianism and the reinstitution of a clan power.
It is time to end fruitless debates and focus all of our efforts on serious, practical goals. It is time to introduce the multifaceted modernization of the country, to use new technologies and to strengthen the basis of a new republic. These goals can only be achieved if they are based on democratic values and democratic institutions.
Kyrgyzstan is the first state in Central Asia, and in the Commonwealth of the Independent States, to introduce a parliamentary democracy. This is the beginning of a new political cycle in the development of our country.
On the Interim Government’s Record
The interim government had only three months – from April through July – to preserve the integrity of the Kyrgyz state, to return properties illegally seized from its people, and to implement a constitutional reform and end corruption.
The April revolution was followed by a period of political instability. A few attempts at coup-d’état were made with external support, resulting in bloodshed in the south of the country. The government had to counter external threats and to stabilize the internal situation.
The government reached its goals and objectives and fulfilled the Kyrgyz people’s requests. It reinstated previous prices for electric power, other communal services, and mobile communications. It nationalized 36 businesses, including power and communications companies. It undertook significant measures to ensure freedom of speech. It removed the National Television and Radio Corporation from government control, and it is now overseen by a Board of Observers. Corrupt government agencies, including the Kyrgyz Central Agency for Development, Investment and Innovation, were disbanded, political and civil activists were released from jail, family and clan powers were overthrown. The interim government prevented a banking and budget collapse in the country, and managed to preserve the sovereignty and integrity of the state, unity of our people, and our place in the international community.
And most importantly, the government has also done everything in its power to ensure that Kyrgyzstan held its first open, honest, transparent and democratic elections.
