An analysis of the Kyrgyz tradition of ‘Kurultay’ and its contemporary use

This article examines the historical roots and contemporary political use of the Kyrgyz institution of Kurultay, focusing on its proposed expansion under the constitutional reforms advanced by Sadyr Japarov after the October 2020 political crisis. It argues that, although presented as a mechanism of popular consultation and accountability, a presidentially controlled national Kurultay could weaken parliament and judicial oversight, reinforce patron-client politics, and legitimise the further concentration of executive power in Kyrgyzstan.