Join Harvard University's Davis Center for an online event on Kyrgyzstan's upcoming early presidential elections and referendum on constitutional reform on January 10, 2021. Leading the push for the early elections and referendum is Sadyr Japarov, a convicted criminal who quickly rose to the height of Kyrgyz power ranks in the political fallout of the fall. Often praised as Central Asia’s only democracy, what will the upcoming election mean for Kyrgyzstan, so long plagued by a fractured political system, high levels of corruption and a governance system that all too often leaves the concerns of average citizens behind? Given many Kyrgyz citizens question the legitimacy of the upcoming vote, how will society react?  Join the Davis Center for four perspectives on the election, referendum and path forward for Kyrgyzstan.  

The event can be watched live at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Speakers:

Bakyt Beshimov, professor of the practice, global studies and international relations, Northeastern University

Asel Dooletkeldieva, associate research fellow, OSCE Academy, Bishkek

Akylai Karimova, activist, Center for Support of International Protection and T-Media

Kubat Kasymbekov, journalist, RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service

Paul Stronski, senior fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace