Media and Elections

Kyrgyzstan

ME037

Question:	What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):	a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:	Candidates and political parties that have nominated lists of candidates shall have the right to free airtime on the channels of TV and radio organizations that are subject to paragraph 18 of Article 22 of this constitutional Law and which broadcast on the territory where elections are held. The indicated airtime shall be during the period when the TV and radio programs gather the largest audience i.e. from 8 PM to 12 PM. The total amount of free airtime, allocated by the state TV and radio organization for campaigning during the elections of the President and the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, must be at least one hour on working days. The said free airtime shall be distributed on an equal basis between the registered candidates and political parties that nominated lists of candidates who appeared at the broadcast.
Source:	Constitutional Law No 68 of 2011 (amended 2020) “On elections of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and deputies of Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic”, art. 24(1-2), 25: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a1/KYRG_Const%20Laww%20on%20Elections%20of%20President%20and%20MPs.pdf
Verified:	2025/05/07

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ME059

Question:	Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):	a. Yes, in presidential elections b. Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:	At least one half of the total amount of free airtime shall be given to candidates and political parties that have nominated lists of candidates, exclusively for joint debates and other similar campaigning activities. All candidates and political parties must be allowed to use this share of free airtime on an equal basis. Registered candidates, including candidates from the registered list of political parties, should participate only in person in joint campaigning events (debates and other similar events) on the channels of TV and radio organizations broadcasting on the entire territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Source:	Constitutional Law No 68 of 2011 (amended 2020) “On elections of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and deputies of Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic”, art. 24(3): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a1/KYRG_Const%20Laww%20on%20Elections%20of%20President%20and%20MPs.pdf
Verified:	2025/05/07

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ME062

Question:	What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:	c. 4-5 days
Comments:	During the last 5 calendar days prior to the voting day, as well as on the voting day, the publication (coverage) of the results of opinion polls, forecasts of election returns and other research related to the elections in mass media or online publications shall not be allowed.
Source:	Constitutional Law No 68 of 2011 (amended 2020) “On elections of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and deputies of Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic”, art. 22(6): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a1/KYRG_Const%20Laww%20on%20Elections%20of%20President%20and%20MPs.pdf
Verified:	2025/05/07

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ME080

Question:	Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:	b. No
Comments:
Source:	Constitutional Law No 68 of 2011 (amended 2020) “On elections of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and deputies of Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic”: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a1/KYRG_Const%20Laww%20on%20Elections%20of%20President%20and%20MPs.pdf
Verified:	2025/05/07

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