The Kyrgyz Republic wants to ban people from working in government agencies and participating in elections even if they have a clean criminal record.

Today, the Jogorku Kenesh approved a bill that could ban people with criminal convictions from participating in elections and working in government agencies. Even if the conviction has been expunged or the criminal case was closed for reasons other than complete innocence, the restrictions will still apply.

If the law is passed, such people will not be able to become president, a member of parliament, or work in the government, the Central Election Commission, the National Bank, or the Chamber of Accounts.

The bill was presented by Timur Shabdanbekov, deputy head of the State Committee for National Security. He said that this was necessary to fight corruption.

Some MPs, including Elvira Surabaldieva, Sharapatkan Mazhitova and others, suggested clarifying exactly which crimes would bar people from running for office or working in government. They believe that the law should not apply to those who have committed minor offences.