Kyrgyzstan: Protests continue in Bishkek and other cities October 7 /update 3

Event

Anti-government protests in Bishkek and other cities are continuing for a third day on Wednesday, October 7, as authorities attempt to calm tensions over the country's annulled parliamentary election. Opposition supporters reportedly seized control of multiple government buildings in the capital on Tuesday, October 6, despite an announcement by Kyrgyzstan's election commission that the results of the disputed October 4 election had been annulled and that the poll would be rerun. A further attempt by the government to calm tensions on Tuesday evening by appointing a prominent opposition politician, Sadyr Zhaparov, as prime minister was disrupted when supporters of President Sooronbai Jeenbekov stormed the hotel where parliament was meeting in an emergency session.

Clashes between pro- and anti-government groups were reported in multiple areas of Bishkek, as well as other towns and cities, on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, but the number of people injured in the scuffles is currently unclear. Rioters are also believed to have attacked and looted a number of public buildings and businesses in the capital overnight, including the offices of the Canadian-owned Kumtor Gold Company. Looting reportedly continued on Wednesday, but most business premises are currently unoccupied and police have stated that the situation in the capital has calmed.

Further opposition-led protests are likely in Bishkek, Osh, and other towns and cities across the country in the near-to-medium term. Pro-government counter-protests are also likely in the near term, with a risk of further clashes between rival political groups.  

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 that were elected to the new parliament had 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. The results of the poll were subsequently annulled by the election commission on October 6, but the move has failed to placate opposition groups. 

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.