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Want a lot of background on the upcoming elections in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan? See Angus Reid Consultants’ superb backgrounders on Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. They’re short and packed with the basics. Information on upcoming elections around the world can be found at their election tracker.
Though not directly related to the parliamentary election, RIA Novosti’s CIS press monitor mentions this about the presidential campaign:
Opposition newspapers comment on ex-Prime Minister Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s visit to Moscow. “People in Kyrgyzstan are waiting for the current authorities to be replaced. This process should be facilitated. …Kurmanbek Bakiyev is seen today as the most likely [presidential] candidate.” (Aalam, 28.01.2005).
Members of the “For Democracy and Civil Society” coalition (which, apparently includes Kel-Kel and the People’s Movement of Kyrgyzstan) staged another protest in Bishkek. Because Roza Otunbayeva’s Atajurt is not mentioned as being involved, I would assume it wasn’t–another reminded that Kyrgyzstan’s opposition could do with a little more unity if it wants to achieve something. As for the protest:
The rally was not authorized by the powers-that-be and Bishkek top cop promised administrative charges against the organizers.
The rally took place simultaneously with the official opening of the kurultai [congress] of the peoples of Kyrgyzstan where President Askar Akayev was addressing almost 800 delegates from all regions of the country.
This post was written by...
Nathan Hamm – author of 2973 posts on Registan.net.
Nathan is the Founding Editor and Publisher of Registan.net, which he launched in 2003. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uzbekistan 2000-2001 and received his MA in Central Asian Studies from the University of Washington in 2007. Since 2007, he has worked full-time as an analyst, consulting with private and government clients on Central Asian affairs, specializing in how socio-cultural and political factors shape risks and opportunities and how organizations can adjust their strategic and operational plans to account for these variables. Nathan is currently seeking research, analysis, and consulting opportunities. He can be contacted via Twitter or email.
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