BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, Jan 10, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Kyrgyzstan went to
presidential polls Sunday in its first elections since a political crisis
embroiled the ex-Soviet country and saw a populist freed from jail who is now
tipped to top the ballot.
Sadyr Japarov’s journey from prison to presidential frontrunner is an
example of the dramatic changes in political fortunes in the Central Asian
country that is both more unpredictable and pluralistic than its
authoritarian neighbours.
But critics of combative Japarov, who became acting leader during the
October unrest, fear his victory could tip Kyrgyzstan towards the strongman
rule dominant in the ex-Soviet region.
Voting began at 8:00 am (0200 GMT) with first results expected shortly
after polling stations close at 8:00 pm (1400 GMT).
In the capital Bishkek, where cold winters usher in a thick blanket of
smog courtesy of polluting heating systems and ageing transport, many voters
said they intended to back Japarov at the ballot box.
“Of course I am for Japarov,” said 49-year-old Talant Samatov, who owns a
small sewing shop.
He said he believes the 11-year sentence that Japarov received in 2017 for
taking a government official hostage was unfair.
“He experienced deep injustice and now he will become a just leader for
us,” Samatov said.
In addition to picking a new president Kyrgyz are choosing between
parliamentary and presidential forms of government, with Japarov backing
greater powers for the post he is seeking.
– Crime, corruption –
Japarov, who was sprung from jail by supporters during the crisis before a
court overturned his conviction, has styled himself as an uncompromising
opponent of organised crime and systemic corruption.
He has poured scorn on critics, some of whom have speculated that criminal
networks are behind his rise for power.
But he struck a unifying tone in his last campaign appearance on Friday in
Bishkek.
“Let us come together… treat each other with understanding and respect.
We are one country, one people,” he told a crowd of several thousand people.
With a threadbare economy battered by the coronavirus pandemic,
Kyrgyzstan’s next leader is likely to be even more dependent on goodwill from
allies Russia — a destination for hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrants –
– and neighbouring economic giant China.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently described the overthrow of the
previous government as a “misfortune”.
At his end of year press-conference Putin chided Kyrgyz politicians for
attempting to imitate Western democracies.
Beijing’s ambassador met with Kyrgyz officials several times last year to
discuss protection for Chinese businesses, some of which were attacked during
the unrest.
– Level playing field? –
Mountainous Kyrgyzstan’s votes are more competitive than in its ex-Soviet
neighbours, but they have rarely offered an even playing field.
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The crisis that allowed for Japarov’s overnight rehabilitation and rise to
power was sparked by vote-buying campaigns favouring parties close to former
president Sooronbay Jeenbekov.
Jeenbekov resigned less than two weeks later at the insistence of
Japarov’s supporters and after agreeing to sign off on Japarov’s election as
prime minister by parliament.
It was the third time a Kyrgyz head of state has stepped down over street
protests since independence in 1991.
While constitutional requirements saw Japarov abandon his positions to
compete in Sunday’s election, rivals have complained that his campaign has
benefited from the resources of the state, where his allies now occupy top
posts.
On Friday the national security committee said it was investigating
evidence that “certain presidential candidates and their supporters” were
planning unrest after the vote, but did not name the candidates.
Bekjol Nurmatov, a 77-year-old retiree, accused Japarov of “plunging the
people into chaos” last year and complained his campaign was using
“administrative resources” to win votes in the Osh region from which Nurmatov
hails.
The pensioner noted that Japarov had failed to show up for televised
debates between candidates. He said he would vote instead for presidential
rival Adakhan Madumarov, also from the Osh region.
“Madumarov is a worthy candidate, the retiree said, accusing frontrunner
Japarov of “hiding from the people.”