Referendum

We are two days apart from the referendum that will bring Kyrgyzstan the next Constitution (or whatever it may bring). There has been a lot of hoopla around this issue, mainly due to the very short term provided before voting day (only a month). Besides, many NGOs, parties and individual politicians were critical of the draft for providing vast field of powers to the President.

Well, I am critical of the referendum becuase it is a completely useless business. Almost 60 million soms is spent on this project, not considering the time and effort directed at this huge political game that will give us, ordinary people, nothing more than a paper, outlining how we should live and act. I come from the view that Kyrgyzstan cannot afford this kind of spediture having huge economic and social problems.

Instead of working, we have been discussing HOW to work for 15 years, constantly changing the rules and Kyrgyzstan has turned into an unreliable partner, unsafe tourist zone, core of corruption, poor country with almost half of population living under poverty line (in 2006 more than 2 million).

It is rather sad that Kyrgyzstan's rating rises only due to revolutions and rallies that has turned into a means of expression on every issue be it shortage of food for cattle or removal of US Airbase. Let us hope that referendum will pass peacefully with no heavy consequences for the economy and society, because I am ready to live under such Constitution (any Constitution for that matter), as long as it provides some development and stability.

As you can see I don't believe in this referendum and Constitution change. Thus, I will have my ordinary Sunday on the 21st of October despite the fact that I have not used my right to vote yet and this is a chance. Although, the result is already known to many, it is still interesting to see the turnout. Many predict that the numbers will be strectched, since many may not even go to polling stations (like me).

For those who will go: at least you will fulfill your "civic duty"
For those who will not go: you will not lose much