Kirghizstan

The year 2005 has become a turning point in Kyrgyzstan’s history. Anti-government protests erupted all over the country following February 27, when Kyrgyzstan held its first round of parliamentary elections. Opposition leaders accused authorities of electoral misconduct and began to demand President Askar Akaev’s resignation. Authorities had been largely restrained in their response to the protests. However, the seizure of the administration buildings in Jalal-Abad and Osh, the largest cities in southern Kyrgyzstan, prompted Akaev to attempt the crack down.
Akayev’s administration collapsed on March 24, as anti-government protesters stormed the presidential palace, and then liberated Feliks Kulov, a leading opposition figure, from prison. The country’s new leaders headed by Kurmanbek Bakiyev struggled to maintain control, as protests gave way to looting.
Since coming to power amid revolutionary upheaval in March, Bakiyev’s interim government has struggled to restore order in the country, and prepare the way for a promised reforms aimed at democratizing society. However, accusations of poor policy and personnel decisions have been leveled against the Bakiyev administration.

Author: Alisher Khadimov


Sommario

1. Introduction
2. Political situation following the elections
3. Relations within the new Kyrgyz establishment
4. Key challenges facing the new administration
5. Foreign policy challenges
5.a. Background
5.b. US and Russian interests
6. Conclusion

7. Kirghiz Government
7.a. Ministries
7.b. Election results