Omurbek Suvanaliev and Saimyk Zhapykeev. Photo: 24.kg
Former Kyrgyz Interior Minister Omurbek Suvanaliev and former head of the Service for Combating Economic Crimes Saimyk Zhapykeev cannot yet register as candidates in the presidential election because they failed the mandatory Kyrgyz language exam, 24.kg reports.
Both politicians took the tests at the Kyrgyztest center on October 8. Suvanaliev admitted that he lacked experience in written work, although the general said he had prepared for the exam for about 20 days.
«I worked as a manager for 40 years. Managers usually listen and give instructions, but write little themselves. I also rarely typed on a computer. That is why the written part was harder for me. I regret that I was unable to reach the B2 level,» the former interior minister said.
Zhapykeev, for his part, disputed the exam results. He stressed that he had studied in Kyrgyz at school and university and can hold a full conversation in the state language.
The former head of the financial police noted the difficulty of the questions and expressed doubts about the final grading of the written section, which the presidential candidates completed on a computer.
«I worked in the prosecutor's office for many years and investigated most cases in Kyrgyz. But I did not pass the exam, just like General Suvanaliev,» Zhapykeev said.
Meanwhile, journalist Aslan Sartbaev posted the detailed results of both candidates' exams on social media. Suvanaliev scored 87 in reading, 84 in listening, 56 in writing and 65 in speaking. Zhapykeev's scores were 63 in reading, 76 in listening, 55 in writing and 63 in speaking.
Under the rules set by Kyrgyztest, a score below 60 in any one section means a failing grade for the entire exam.
However, the politicians may be able to retake the tests, although it remains unclear whether a retake is allowed. Kyrgyztest representatives said the relevant regulations fall under the authority of the Central Election Commission. The commission, in turn, responded that such matters should be decided by Kyrgyztest.
📷 Kyrgyzstan's presidential election is scheduled for January 27, 2027. Incumbent President Sadyr Japarov has previously confirmed his intention to run. However, the first person to file an official application with the commission was businessman Aimen Kasenov, who registered as a self-nominated candidate. Applications from candidates will be accepted until November 13 this year.
