#127: Kyrgyzstan

President Bakiev last night signed the constitution. He also signed a decree to hold the parliamentary elections on December 16. In less than two months from now, we will have a new parliament. Authorities gave political parties only 3 (three) days to register.

As promised earlier, PM Atambaev and his cabinet resigned, but they will remain acting until a new cabinet is formed by political parties in a new parliament. Meanwhile, I see - and I see not much - interesting political maneuvering among political parties.

Tekebaev's Atameken is coming out as a clear leader among the irreconcilable opposition. A number of smaller opposition parties agreed to run under its banner to the parliament, although they will keep their parties live. Atambaev's Social Democrats are running as a moderate opposition party, with some active party members.

Real political standing of President's Ak-Jol, I think, is pretty low. However, the so called 'administrative resource' will do its job. The referendum on weekends showed how the authorities on all levels and in all spheres did everything for the referendum to pass. Governors, akims, aiyl okmotu, schools, hospitals, and all the government bureaucrats who receive salary from the government were forced to vote one way. If the parliamentary elections will take place with the same violations, Ak-Jol is guaranteed to get the majority of seats in the parliament.

Authorities have to be careful not overuse the administrative resource, because a result of over 75% will be too ridiculous and a sign of greed from the government.