Atambayev: biometric passports to make elections in Kyrgyzstan more fair

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev discussed with Prime Minister Sooronbai Zheenbekov and Chief of Staff of President's Office Sapar Isakov the start of introduction of electronic biometric passports in Kyrgyzstan, the presidential press office said.

Atambayev stressed that the introduction of new passports is a landmark event in Kyrgyzstan that has significant meaning for creation of digital society. He noted that it will help reach new heights in ensuring transparency in all the processes occurring in the country, in elimination of corruption and holding of fair and transparent elections and ensuring security, AKIpress reported.

"With the help of the biometric passport, the citizens of Kyrgyzstan will get the expanded access to the high-quality online servicing of the population to all state and municipal services with having to collect the unnecessary papers," Jeenbekov noted, adding that Kyrgyz citizens will be able to get new passports for free from May 1 until December 31, 2017.