The aftermath of the Kyrgyz parliamentary elections dominated this week’s coverage. Despite official results not being expected for some time, the overwhelming victory by the President’s newly created party Ak Zhol was widely reported.
The question of whether the largest opposition party, Ata Meken, should have any seats at all was the main point of contention. It failed to secure the required 0.5% of support by eligible voters in every region, a prerequisite to having candidates from its list enter parliament. On Tuesday the Supreme Court ruled the 0.5% requirement invalid, though doubts have been raised as to whether this will have any effect. Many outlets reflected the view that Kyrgyzstan has effectively entered a new phase as a one-party state and the US sharply criticised the poll. Ata Meken has promised protests, though they are unlikely to match those of the famous Tulip Revolution, which ousted the previous president, Askar Akayev.
The Uzbek presidential election also loomed large. The BBC described the population as being ‘resigned‘ to Islam Karimov’s re-elction. It also highlighted the high level of censorship in Uzbekistan itself, which, though ever present, is particularly significant in the light of Karimov’s bid for an illegal third term.
In other news, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan signed a deal with Russia cementing their commitment to press ahead with a Caspian sea gas pipeline. Kazakhstan is angling for a more favourable contract with international companies involved in the development of the Kashagan oilfield, according to the Financial Times. And in Tajikistan, drugs workers are calling for more sympathetic policies towards addicts in an attempt to stem HIV/AIDS and rising crime.
The next news digest will be on 4th January 2008.
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