Two former senior Kyrgyz officials seeking to participate in the country's upcoming presidential election have failed the mandatory Kyrgyz language proficiency examination, according to local news outlet 24.kg. The candidates are former Minister of Internal Affairs Omurbek Suvanaliyev and former head of the State Service for Combating Economic Crimes Saimik Zhapikeev.
Both politicians took the examination on October 8 at the Kyrgyztest institution, which assesses proficiency in the country's state language. Under Kyrgyzstan's electoral requirements, presidential candidates must demonstrate the required level of Kyrgyz language proficiency to qualify for registration.
According to examination results shared on social media by journalist Aslan Satbayev, both former officials achieved passing scores in reading, listening comprehension and speaking but failed the writing section.
The results were as follows:
Exam section | Suvanaliyev | Zhapikeev |
|---|---|---|
Reading | 87 | 63 |
Listening comprehension | 84 | 76 |
Writing | 56 | 55 |
Speaking | 65 | 63 |
Under Kyrgyztest regulations, candidates must score at least 60 points in each of the four sections. A score below 60 in any section results in failure of the entire examination. Suvanaliyev received 56 points in writing, while Zhapikeev scored 55.
Suvanaliyev said he had spent nearly 20 days preparing for the examination but encountered difficulties with the written component. The former minister attributed his performance to his professional background, explaining that his leadership positions had involved issuing instructions rather than regularly preparing written documents or typing on computers.
He expressed regret that he had not achieved the required B2 proficiency level. Zhapikeev also questioned his examination results, particularly the scores awarded for computer-based writing assignments.
He said he had completed both his school and university education in Kyrgyz and had conducted much of his investigative work in the language during his years in the prosecutor's office. Despite this experience, he said he was unable to pass the examination and described the questions as complex.
The two former officials may have an opportunity to retake the language examination, although the relevant procedure has not yet been determined. Representatives of Kyrgyztest stated that the Central Election Commission would decide how retakes should be organized.
However, the commission indicated that the matter should be resolved by Kyrgyztest. As a result, it remains unclear whether Suvanaliyev and Zhapikeev will be able to meet the language requirements in time to participate in the presidential election.
Kyrgyzstan's next presidential election is scheduled for January 27, 2027. Incumbent President Sadyr Japarov has expressed his intention to participate in the election.
Entrepreneur Aymen Kasenov was the first prospective candidate to submit an application to the Central Election Commission. He is seeking to run as an independent candidate.
The commission will continue accepting applications from prospective presidential candidates until November 13, 2026.