Constitution of Kyrgyzstan

The current constitution of Kyrgyzstan was passed by referendum on June 27, 2010, replacing the previous constitution. It introduced a strong parliament to the country, reducing the power of the historically strong president. The constitution is similar in many ways to the previous one.

The referendum passed with 90% of the votes and 70% voter turnout, despite 400,000 people, mostly ethnic Uzbeks, having fled ethnic violence in the south of the country who had still not returned. This replaced the older constitution.

The constitution replaced the old immediately upon publication of the voting results, although according to the document, limited sections do not come into force until later.

Despite fears of illegitimacy due to the recent violence, there were no major reports of violence or fraud during the election. International monitor organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe approved of the vote. Prior to voting day the government dropped leaflets over Bishkek, urging citizens to remain peaceful and keep the future of their country in mind.

Support for the constitution was strong throughout the country and among all major ethnic groups, despite a relatively low voter turnout in the south of the country and some fears that a parliamentary system would be weaker than a single strong president.

Prior to the drafting of the document, input was received from the Venice Commission, who later said they were pleased with the result.

President Dmitriy Medvedev of Russia stated concerns that it would lead to instability and volatility, giving rise to extremism.

The constitution legislated a shift in the countries politics away from a presidential system and toward a parliamentary system, reducing the power of the president. The last two presidents of Kyrgyzstan under the old system, Askar Akayev and Kurmanbek Bakiyev, were ousted in revolutions.

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