Kyrgyzstan's Shift: Power Consolidation and Economic Boom

Kyrgyzstan is gearing up for a snap parliamentary election, with President Sadyr Japarov's allies poised to secure a significant victory. Japarov, known for his populist and nationalist stance, has tightened his grip on the country since 2020. This election sets the stage for his potential re-election in 2027.

A Shift in Democracy

Kyrgyzstan, once a beacon of democracy in Central Asia, has seen a crackdown on media and opposition groups under Japarov's rule. The country's political landscape has shifted dramatically since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Protests in 2005, 2010, and 2020 toppled previous leaders, but Japarov's rise has brought a different kind of stability.

Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov's Perspective

Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov, a Japarov ally, argues that the president's popularity stems from a desire for stability after decades of political turmoil. He claims that adopting Western-style systems has not worked for Kyrgyzstan. The media crackdown, which has labeled independent journalists as "extremists," is justified, according to Baisalov, to protect the country from foreign influence.

Economic Growth and Challenges

Despite economic growth, the fastest in Central Asia, living standards are affected by high inflation and electricity shortages. Experts attribute the economic boom to Kyrgyzstan's role as a key clearinghouse for imports to Russia, redirected due to sanctions over the war in Ukraine. Western countries have imposed sanctions on several Kyrgyz banks and cryptocurrency companies, accusing them of facilitating Russian sanctions evasion.

Strengthening Ties with Russia

Japarov has strengthened ties with Russia, which has military bases in Kyrgyzstan and employs many Kyrgyz as migrant workers. Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Bishkek underscores this close relationship. Human rights activist Nurbek Toktakunov criticizes Japarov's dominance, seeing it as a failure of attempts to impose Western-style democracy on Kyrgyzstan.