An optimistic view is that with a new constitution underpinning a parliamentary democracy – the only such system in Central Asia – the chances of a return to authoritarian one-man rule are greatly reduced, and the country can begin moving forward to a more inclusive, pluralist and above all stable society.

The downside is that Kyrgyzstan is still recovering from the shock of the June 2010 ethnic violence in the south, which resulted in over 400 deaths and widespread devastation. The clashes left a legacy of division and mistrust and raised some difficult questions about governance, national identity and future stability. 

The candidate list – whittled down from a field of over 80 – includes some leading players representing major political parties, but also a fair number of lesser-known figures. Thus far, no clear pattern of voter preferences has emerged. Some analysts are saying traditional models of patronage and regional and tribal affiliation may no longer apply.

This page contains IWPR's reporting on this crucial election; you can also follow our work in Kyrgyzstan on Twitter and Facebook.