Today, 30 April, members of the Jogorku Kenesh considered and adopted in the second reading the draft Digital Code of Kyrgyzstan, as well as related bills necessary for its implementation.

The essence of the Digital Code is to create clear and understandable rules for the digital environment in order to protect the rights of citizens, develop the digital economy and attract more investment.

However, the discussion did not go smoothly — deputies again voiced many comments.
MP Kamila Talieva recalled citizens' complaints about the work of notaries and public service centres, and also touched on the inconvenience of using the Tunduk app, especially when registering for schools and hospitals online.

MP Meder Aliyev stated that digitalisation in the country is developing too slowly and that Kyrgyzstan is lagging far behind countries such as Kazakhstan and China.

‘Digitalisation is the key to the development of the state. And we are treading water,’ he said.

MP Dastan Bekeshev also criticised the work of the vehicle registration system:

‘There is no sign of digitalisation there. Go and see for yourself how everything works,’ he said, addressing Minister of Digital Development Azamat Zhamangulov.

MP Guly Kozhokulova went further, saying that it is too early to adopt the code as it has too many shortcomings.

‘We are rushing to adopt a document that serves the interests of a narrow group, not the state. This is not the approach the country needs,’ she said.

According to Kozhokulova, the Kyrgyz Republic has an entire ministry of digitalisation, but for some reason its functions are scattered across other departments.

Despite the criticism, the bills passed their second reading. The third and final vote is still to come.