Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz are set to vote on a controversial new constitution and for a new president on the same day, January 10.

Overturning the decisions of two lower courts, the Kyrgyz Supreme Court says police should not have cracked down on the March 8 protest.

With new presidential elections set for January and parliamentary elections sometime before June 2021, the debate over what kind of government Kyrgyzstan should have is critical.

Last month, Kyrgyz rushed into offices. This month, they’re running for the exits in hopes of contesting the January 10 early presidential election.

Treading carefully, both Moscow and Beijing have engaged the new Japarov government but with a markedly light touch.

The presidential elections are now set for January 10, while challenges have been filed over the cancellation of the December 20 parliamentary redo.

The Kyrgyz parliament voted to cancel forthcoming new parliament and presidential elections to make way for constitutional reforms.

Will Kyrgyzstan’s new leader be able to address imminent politico-economic challenges and accomplish his all stated promises?

The former customs official’s arrest was a suspicious surprise, though he’s long been alleged to have engaged in massive corruption in Kyrgyzstan. 

Kyrgyzstan looks likely to have a new parliament election sometime in December and a presidential poll in January. It may also have a constitutional referendum.

Kyrgyzstan's complete political upheaval isn't finished yet.

Until October 6, Sadyr Japarov was serving an 11.5 year prison term for hostage-taking. He's now prime minister of Kyrgyzstan.