Kyrgyzstan: Presidential inauguration in Bishkek Nov. 24

Event

The inauguration of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov will take place in the capital Bishkek on Friday, November 24. The ceremony will be held at the Ala-Archa State Residence beginning at 10:00 (local time). Increased security measures and transportation disruptions are expected throughout the city. Roads likely to be affected by closures include Chuy Avenue, Manas Avenue, and Chingiz Aytmatov Avenue.

Context

Jeenbekov won Kyrgyzstan's presidential election in the first round of voting held on October 15, garnering just over 54 percent of ballots cast. Despite predictions of a tight race, Jeenbekov's main rival, Omurbek Babanov, came in second with just over 33 percent.

Kyrgyzstan attained independence following the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 and its first two presidents were both unseated by revolutions, in 2005 and 2010. Jeenbekov's predecessor, President Almazbek Atambayev, was the country's first democratically elected president since a 2010 revolution and his decision to step aside at the end of his term represents the first regular transition of power in the country since independence.

Advice

Individuals in Kyrgyzstan are advised to avoid all gatherings, even those expected to remain peaceful, and to monitor any local developments.