Commentary on Kyrgyzstan’s presidential elections and constitutional referendum

In his article, published on East Asia Forum, MECACS member Dr Matteo Fumagalli argues that Sadyr Japarov’s victory in the January presidential elections owes much to a powerful multi-pronged election strategy. Japarov can also count on a genuine appeal for certain segments of Kyrgyz society due to his solid anti-establishment, populist and nationalist credentials. The victory in the referendum also gives him a strong mandate to reshape constitutional order in the country, which would see the presidency significantly strengthened.