IWPR Central Asia
Institute for War & Peace Reporting
In the run-up to parliamentary polls, the president’s men are pulling out all the stops to make sure they get the result they want.
Officially, satellite dishes have to go because they are an eyesore, but the real aim may be to cut off people from information from outside.
As the election looms, it remains unclear how expatriates’ votes will be counted.
A new requirement set by election officials could make it almost impossible for parties to win seats in parliament.
The revival in political activity in the run up to elections has not resulted in the emergence of strong parties.
Politicians from the poorer parties complain that the high cost of TV adverts in the election period makes it impossible to buy their fair share of airtime.
Ak Jol is often likened to the presidential parties in Russia and Kazakstan, but the comparisons don’t go very far.
Decision to ban Edil Baisalov from polls for showing a ballot paper on his blog has aroused controversy.
The government wants everyone to open a bank account, but many people are too poor or too canny to trust an institution with their hard-earned cash.
Transnational rail project connecting Iran with Turkmenistan and Kazakstan could have major strategic and trade implications for the region.