Kyrgyz opposition prepares single candidate for January 2027 presidential election

The United Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan plans to select a single candidate for the presidential election scheduled for 27 January 2027. Movement coordinator Mambetjunus Abylov said four candidates are under consideration, but the final choice has not yet been made. The coalition aims to consolidate opposition forces before the vote and bring civil society representatives into cooperation.

In a statement, the movement called for free elections, the protection of human rights and the strengthening of the rule of law. Its members warned of the dangers of concentrated power, restrictions on freedom of speech and political persecution, arguing that Kyrgyzstan needs to change its system of governance, not just its leadership.

The candidates under consideration are Abylov, Keneshbek Duishebaev, Bektur Asanov and Perizat Suranova. Nominations close on 13 November 2026, according to the Central Election Commission's calendar. All four were previously prosecuted in a case concerning the Kempir-Abad reservoir and were later acquitted. Aymen Kasenov was the first to submit documents for the presidential election, running as a self-nominee.