Opposition Leader May Play Crucial Role
As a potential crisis looms in Kyrgyzstan over disputed election results, many are wondering whether Omurbek Tekebaev will be able to turn it to his advantage.
As a potential crisis looms in Kyrgyzstan over disputed election results, many are wondering whether Omurbek Tekebaev will be able to turn it to his advantage.
Border difficulties affecting Kyrgyz villagers blamed on overzealous frontier guards and on Kyrgyzstan’s failure to ratify a demarcation agreement.
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.
As parties and NGOs accuse the electoral commission of stacking the decks in favour of the president’s party, there are warnings of protests ahead.