Kyrgyzstan Election 2025: Revised Rules and Map Heighten Stakes

Kyrgyzstan is set to hold snap parliamentary elections on November 30, 2025, following significant changes in electoral rules. The deadline for candidates to submit their registration forms was October 30, with nearly 600 aspiring candidates vying for 90 parliamentary seats.

Kyrgyzstan Elections 2025: New Rules and Candidate Registration

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has until November 10, 2025, to review candidates’ applications ensuring they meet eligibility criteria. After qualifying, candidates will have just over two weeks to campaign for votes in their respective districts.

Background of the Elections

This upcoming election marks the ninth parliamentary vote since Kyrgyzstan gained independence in 1991. Officials advanced the election date from 2026 to 2025, anticipating the presidential election scheduled for January 2027. This shift is part of a broader electoral reform initiated with amendments enacted in June 2025.

The amendments included reverting to a single-mandate voting system, which was used prior to 2007 until party-list voting was introduced. The new regulations aim to increase fairness and representation within the parliamentary structure.

Changes in Electoral Districts and Candidate Eligibility

• Kyrgyz citizens must be at least 25 years old, hold a higher education degree, and have lived in Kyrgyzstan for the past five years to qualify.
• Those with a criminal record are barred from running, except for individuals whose convictions have been overturned.

In the latest registration round, the CEC reported 589 applicants, comprising 365 men and 224 women. Registration is expected to narrow down the field as disqualifications for insufficient information occur.

Campaigning and Election Mechanics

In an effort to diversify representation, new regulations stipulate that at least one woman must be elected among the top three candidates from each district. There will be no by-elections for vacant seats; instead, the next highest vote-getter will automatically fill them.

Campaigning can employ up to 1,000 supporters, doubling the previous limit, and candidates can hire bloggers for outreach, provided they formalize payment agreements. Candidates may accept donations capped at 200,000 som (approximately $2,287), with restrictions on the banks used for these transactions.

Voting Process for November 2025 Elections

This election features a significant change in voter accessibility. The 4.287 million eligible citizens can vote at any of the 2,492 polling stations across Kyrgyzstan. Previously, voters were restricted to their registered electoral districts, potentially increasing voter participation.

For citizens residing abroad, there are 91 polling stations available in 31 countries, predominantly in Russia. Historically, voter turnout has been a concern, with only 32.25% of voters participating in the last elections in November 2021. Initiatives to improve accessibility may enhance overall voter engagement in the upcoming elections.