Kyrgyzstan: Anti-government protests continue in Bishkek despite annulment of election results October 6 /update 2

Event

Anti-government protests continued in Bishkek for a second day on Tuesday, October 6, following Kyrgyzstan's disputed parliamentary election. Hundreds of demonstrators reportedly gathered in the capital's Ala-Too Square on Tuesday morning, hours after protesters had clashed with police in the area and stormed the parliament building. Separate protests have also been reported outside Bishkek City Hall and the Kozhomkul Sports Palace on Togolok Modol Street. However, the latest demonstrations are believed to have so far remained peaceful.

Tuesday's protests came despite a decision by the country's election commission to annul the results of the October 4 poll, which opposition groups had claimed were tainted by vote-buying and intimidation. President Sooronbai Jeenbekov had earlier condemned the protests, but also called for an investigation into the allegations of electoral irregularities.

At least 700 people are reported to have been injured during anti-government protests in the capital on Monday, October 5, and at least one protester was killed. Demonstrators had clashed with police on Monday evening following a day of largely peaceful protests, prompting security forces to use stun grenades, warning shots, tear gas, and water cannon to clear the gathering in Ala-Too Square. However, a smaller group of protesters returned to the site overnight, storming the parliament building, known as the White House, and other government offices where they freed a number of prisoners, including former President Almazbek Atambayev, who was serving an 11-year sentence for corruption.

Further opposition-led protests are likely in Bishkek across the country in the near-to-medium term. Pro-government counter-protests are also likely in the near term, with a rally in support of Jeenbekov being held in central Osh on Tuesday.

Context

Multiple opposition groups have publicly contested the results of the country's October 4 parliamentary election, with only four of 16 registered parties having passed the seven percent vote-share threshold in order to gain seats in the legislature. Three of the four parties in the new parliament have close ties to President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, and opposition groups have accused the government of vote-buying and intimidation during the election campaign, allegations which international monitors have stated are credible.

Advice

Those in Kyrgyzstan are advised to monitor developments, avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public or via social media, and heed any directives issued by local authorities.