Kyrgyzstan Country Report: Environmental Implications of the 2010 Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract

On 7 April 2010, the Bakiyev Government of the Kyrgyz Republic1 was overthrown in a civil uprising. Following this, the subsequent interim government introduced the draft of a new Constitution. This draft Constitution significantly reduced the powers of the President. On 27 June 2010, this draft was approved by 90 per cent of voters in a referendum. The Report of the Venice Commission (2010)2 has analysed the merits of the political restructure. Hence, this Country Report will focus primarily on the particular provisions of the 2010 Kyrgyz Constitution (the 2010 Constitution) that concern the natural environment (‘the environment’). Other constitutional changes that may potentially have an impact on the environment will also be considered.