FREE, COMPETITIVE AND FAIR ELECTIONS AS THE BASIS OF AN AUTHORITATIVE STATE

The concept of fair, competitive and free elections is considered as a fundamental element of a modern authoritative state. The components of the electoral system and theoretical and practical aspects of the electoral process in the Kyrgyz Republic are analyzed, including their competitiveness, transparency and accessibility, as well as the influence of these factors on the level of trust of the country's citizens in the institutions of government. The study identified four main stages of reforming the electoral process and electoral legislation in the country and provided a detailed description of each of the identified stages. As a result of the research, specific practical proposals were developed aimed at holding free, competitive and fair elections. Thus, it is proposed to supplement the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic with a new article 196-1 and provide for criminal liability of voters for selling their votes.