A major mess last night in Kyrgyzstan, where the results of many elections considered unfair were canceled after protests, parliamentary occupation and opposition pressure, TV3 News reports.
The results of the weekend’s elections were expected for the opposition and its supporters – almost only the pro-presidential parties entered the parliament.
In the Central Asian republic, more than a dozen political forces took part in the regular elections, but only four parties were in office. Three of them are closer to the leader Soronbay Jeb-enbekov. Election rules and access to parliament are quite difficult. Judging by the “façade”, a democratic system has been established, however, the country has major problems with freedom of expression, and opposition is taking place.
After the elections, thorough protests began in the center of Bishkek. 120 people were injured in the clashes with the police. Dzhenbekov accused the opposition of trying to seize power.
“Dear citizens! Some political forces are trying to usurp power. They used the elections as a pretext for violently disrupting public order and the lives of peaceful people, “said Kyrgyz President Soronbay Jekenbekov.
During the night the clashes escalated, police used tear gas and noise grenades. Demonstrators managed to break into the parliament building – documents were thrown out through open windows. Later, smoke smoked through the same windows.
“Many things were broken and burned. Many were injured. This is a loss. Hope the tension eases, we hope for the best. We ask Allah to have honest authorities, “said protester Jelsar Shakirov.
This morning, protesters also released former President Almazbek Atambayev by invading the building of the State National Security Committee, where he was detained on corruption charges. Shortly afterwards, the election commission announced the annulment of the election results.
“The Central Election Commission held a meeting. The results in all polling stations will be canceled, taking into account the political situation in the country after the protests of 12 parties, “confirmed Gulnar Jurabayeva, a member of the Kyrgyz election commission.
“The actions of the responsible authorities contributed to yesterday’s events. Not only were votes stolen during the elections, people were taken from one region to another, forced to vote against their will. Half of the population was bribed. This was the last straw, “explained Irina Kormuškina, a member of the atambayeva party of the former prisoner.
