Edil Baisalov has quit his position as chief-of-staff of Kyrgyzstan's interim government to create his own political party in advance of parliamentary elections due later this year.
Baisalov said he was tired of the “same old corrupt schemes” in Kyrgyz politics and that he hopes to offer the electorate an alternative which will likely be called Aikol El [Noble People].
Speaking at a press conference in Bishkek on June 7, Baisalov, who returned to Kyrgyzstan in April after a period of exile in Sweden, said he is dismayed by the system of regional political appointments and is concerned the new government is not addressing corruption.
“I fundamentally disagree with the appointments taking place in Kyrgyzstan. People are appointed solely on the basis of party loyalty. Look at the appointments - nothing has changed. It’s the same old corrupt schemes,” he said.
He was however scant on the details of his own party’s formation. He did not name any other members or suggest what constituencies they would challenge.
The party’s platform will be based on democratic principles, free speech and respect for human rights, Baisalov said.
“Today there is a demand for a political force with a mandate of trust to implement fundamental reforms,” he said, adding that would-be parliamentary candidates currently holding positions with the interim government should resign ahead of the elections scheduled for October.
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