BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan

On October 23, Natalia Gherman, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Central Asia, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), continued her mission in the Kyrgyz Republic and held meetings with Kanat Isaev, Speaker of the Parliament, and Aida Ismailova, Vice-prime-minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, to further discuss political developments in the country and UN assistance.

Speaker Isaev pointed out that all possible efforts were applied to bring the political situation back into the legal framework. He informed about the most recently adopted legislation concerning constitutional changes and electoral process. The Speaker confirmed that parliamentary elections had been postponed until spring of 2021 and the country has more time to prepare for them.

In response, the SRSG expressed readiness of the UN to support the electoral process. She underlined that the next elections have to be free and fair, ensuring   meaningful participation of women and youth, and with strong oversight of the electoral process. The importance of ensuring inclusiveness and transparency of the decision-making process, in line with the Kyrgyz Constitution and national legislation, was highlighted.

Vice-prime-minister Ismailova informed that the current challenging situation in the country is exacerbated by the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vice-prime minister highly appreciated the role of the UN in helping the Government to address the most pressing socio-economic issues the country is facing.

The SRSG pointed out that the UN would continue its humanitarian assistance, in particular to the most vulnerable groups of population, including through the United Nations COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.