Kyrgyzstan votes for new President

Kyrgyz voters poured into polling stations early on Sunday to elect the country’s new leader for the first time since the ouster of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev last year.

More than 2,200 polling stations opened throughout the country at 8 am local time (02:00 GMT) and will close at 7 pm local time (13:00 GMT).

A total of 16 candidates are running in the elections. Seven officially registered candidates recently withdrew from the presidential race, including three on Thursday.

Interim President Roza Otunbayeva, who took power after Bakiyev was ousted as president amid large-scale popular protests in April 2010 is barred from running in the polls. She is to leave the presidential post on December 31.

source: commonspace.eu with agencies

photo: downtown Bishkek

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union” after complaining that trade negotiations have stalled. The steep new import duties would start on 1st June, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The EU “has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union” after complaining that trade negotiations have stalled. The steep new import duties would start on 1st June, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The EU “has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”