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: JURIST - The Paper Chase

Kyrgyzstan provisional government pledges constitutional reform

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

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[JURIST] Kyrgyzstan's provisional government on Monday announced a plan to institute democratic reforms, including a referendum on a new constitution. The plan seeks to move Kyrgyzstan toward a parliamentary republic with increased checks and balances and a reduction in the constitutional scope of presidential power. In order to increase the perceived legitimacy of the process, the government has stated it will invite UN officials to join Kyrgyzstan's Central Election Committee. The pledge for reform follows an anti-government uprising earlier this month that forced president Kurmanbek Bakiyev from office and led to the formation of an interim government headed by former foreign minister Roza Otunbayeva. The interim government has taken a number of steps, including suspending the constitutional court because of the court's perceived support for Bakiyev. It was also reported on Monday that Bakivey had fled Kazakhstan, where he had been hiding since his ouster. On Sunday, the interim Kyrgyz government announced that Bakiyev will be tried for killings that took place during the uprising. Last week, the Kyrgyzstan Prosecutor General's Office announced that Bakiyev's son faces charges of abuse of power and misuse of state credit. UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Executive Director Jan Kubis stated Friday that Kyrgyzstan needs international support in order to continue democratic reforms. UN officials have also pointed to concerns over human rights in Kyrgyzstan. Earlier this month, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called on Kyrgyzstan to show "tolerance for diversity and media freedom." Kyrgyzstan's recent problems mirror many of those addressed in 2005 when Bakiyev assumed power in the Tulip Revolution.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on April 19, 2010 (boomark / email).