Kyrgyz Politics: The 2021 Constitution and Its Potential Implications

Abstract

This article aims to examine the political consequences of Kyrgyzstan’s new 2021 Constitution in light of political constitutionalism and empirical institutionalism approaches. The political dimension of constitutions is primarily related to the nature of the political objectives that play a decisive role during the constitution-making process. Empirical institutionalism focuses on the effects of the institutional formulations developed by key actors involved in constitution-making on the functioning of political life. Kyrgyzstan constitutes a striking case in this regard, as political competition in the country is shaped by confrontational dynamics, which directly affect the constitution-making process. Since gaining independence, Kyrgyzstan has experienced transfers of power through extraordinary means, making the country particularly significant for regional stability. Within this framework, the study first addresses the main characteristics of the post-independence constitutionalization process in Kyrgyzstan. It then analyzes the political system shaped by the 2021 Constitution and its possible implications for political life. In the conclusion, the developments in political life since the Constitution entered into force are evaluated in terms of the potential trajectory of political life in Kyrgyzstan.

Keywords

• Constitutional Politics
• Empirical Institutionalism
• Kyrgyzstan Politics
• President Caparov
• Clan Politics

Kırgızistan Siyaseti: 2021 Anayasası ve Potansiyel Yansımaları

Abstract

Makale siyasal anayasa ve ampirik kurumsalcılık yaklaşımları ışığında 2021 tarihli yeni Kırgızistan anayasasının siyasal sonuçlarını incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Anayasaların siyasal yönü, özellikle anayasa yapım sürecinde belirleyici olan siyasal hedeflerin niteliği ile ilgilidir. Ampirik kurumsalcılık anayasa yapım sürecinde belirleyici aktörlerin geliştirdiği formülasyonların siyasal hayatın işleyişi üzerindeki etkilerine odaklanmaktadır. Kırgızistan siyasal rekabetin çatışmacı temelde şekillendiği ve anayasa yapım sürecine doğrudan etki ettiği dikkat çekici bir ülkedir. Bağımsızlığa geçildikten sonra Kırgızistan’da iktidar değişimlerinin olağandışı yöntemlerle gerçekleştirilmesi bölgesel istikrarsızlık açısından da ülkeyi önemli kılmaktadır. Bu çerçevede öncelikle Kırgızistan’da bağımsızlık sonrası anayasallaşma sürecinin başlıca özellikleri ele alınacak, daha sonra 2021 tarihli anayasanın siyasal kurumlar temelinde kurguladığı siyasal sistem ve siyasal hayata olası yansımaları incelenecektir. Makalenin sonuç kısmında Anayasanın yürürlüğe girmesinden bugüne siyasal hayatta yaşanan gelişmeler, Kırgızistan’da siyasal hayatın potansiyel yönü açısından değerlendirilecektir.

Keywords

• Siyasal Anayasa
• Ampirik Kurumsalcılık
• Kırgızistan Siyaseti
• Cumhurbaşkanı Caparov
• Klan Siyaseti

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