2016 Kyrgyz constitutional referendum explained

Date:11 December 2016
Country:Kyrgyzstan
Flag Year:1992
Yes:948,185
No:185,140
Invalid:57,427
Electorate:2,816,423

A constitutional referendum was held in Kyrgyzstan on 11 December 2016.[1] The constitutional amendments were approved by around 80% of voters.[2]

Background

The post-independence constitution was introduced in 1993, with modifications made following referendums in 1996, 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2010. However, the current constitution prohibits any amendments being made until 2020.[3] The original version of the 2010 constitution has been lost.[4]

Proposed changes

The proposed changes to the constitution were put forward by five parties, and included increasing the powers of the Prime Minister and Supreme Council, as well as making reforms to the judicial system.[3] The proposed reforms also established that marriage could be only "between a man and a woman" instead of "between two persons"; this was criticized by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.[5]

Conduct

There were some reports of alleged fraud. Some that political parties had resorted to vote buying and people told that they were offered 500 to 1,000 soms ($7 to $14) per vote. Speaking at a press conference, deputy Interior Minister Almaz Orozaliev reported five such cases (three in the Bishkek and two in the northern Chui region).[6]

Notes and References

  1. News: Kyrgyzstan goes to referendum. 1 November 2016.
  2. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kyrgyzstan-referendum-idUSKBN1400XH Kyrgyzstan amends constitution in referendum, boosting government powers
  3. News: Kyrgyz Lawmakers Advance Bill For Referendum On Constitutional Amendments. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 29 September 2016 . 2016-10-23.
  4. News: Kyrgyzstan has literally lost its constitution. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/kyrgyzstan-constitution-lost-cannot-find-central-asia-a7373171.html . 2022-05-01 . subscription . live. 2016-10-21. The Independent. en-GB. 2016-10-23.
  5. Web site: Venice Commission. Kyrgyz Republic - Endorsed joint opinion on the draft law. Council of Europe. 14–15 October 2016.
  6. http://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-constitutional-referendum-voting/28168872.html Kyrgyz Voters Back Amendments On Same-Sex Marriage, Presidential Power