Elected Officials Alimzhanov and Ismailov Lose Mandates due to Fake Diplomas
CEC Cancels Parliament Deputies’ Registration Due to Fake Diplomas
The Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan (CEC) has taken action regarding the authenticity of higher education diplomas of two deputies of the Parliament – Farkhat Ismailov from the Ata Zhurt Kyrgyzstan faction and Farkhodbek Alimzhanov from the Alliance faction.
According to representatives from the commission of the Ministry of Education and Science, the investigation conducted in collaboration with the State Committee for National Security revealed that Farkhodbek Alimzhanov’s diploma of higher education was issued in violation of regulatory legal acts in the field of education. It was found that he was unable to retake exams in 2012 and 2015 because he was outside the country, which was confirmed by the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security. Therefore, the Ministry of Education has suggested revoking the exam results and withdrawing the diploma of Osh State University as well as the master’s degree he received at the Academy of Management under the President of Kyrgyzstan.
In a similar decision, the CEC has also cancelled the registration of Farkhat Ismailov as a deputy of the Parliament from the Alliance party. It was discovered by the commission of the Ministry of Education and Science that he was not listed as a student at Kyrgyz National University during the years he claimed. Accordingly, his diploma in Accounting and Audit has been invalidated, as well as his later Master of Law degree.
The CEC’s actions were prompted by the materials received from the State Committee for National Security on April 8, 2022. Subsequently, a request was sent to the Ministry of Education for verification. The statement from the KNU rectorate that Farkhat Ismailov did not receive a diploma was insufficient to initiate a discussion.
This decision by the CEC highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of educational credentials, particularly for individuals holding public office. It is essential to maintain transparency, integrity, and trust in the democratic processes of the country.
