Analysts say that power play is motivated by competition over energy resources.
Drivers of passenger vehicles on a trunk road seem to have forgotten how to undergo a checkout at transportation checkpoints. Instead of papers, they rush to officers with 20 som in their hands. Some smart officers sometimes stop heavy trucks and manage to get some coal. Investigative journalists of KTRK have found out that these payments are illegal and not intended for the budget. (more…)
Washington looks for areas for pragmatic cooperation despite Bishkek’s alignment with Moscow. Although the United States’ once-close relationship with Kyrgyzstan has faded as Russia reasserts its dominance in Central Asia, the Americans still seem keen to forge a new working relationship. (more…)
Holding a contested election without a foregone conclusion was an achievement in itself. A parliamentary election in Kyrgyzstan has produced a legislature with no clear majority, so that a flurry of coalition-building can be expected. (more…)
With much to play for, parties have been going the extra mile to secure votes. On Sunday October 4, voters go to the polls in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia’s only democracy. (more…)
Many of the current legislators are likely to make it into the next parliament, even if they have shifted party allegiance. (more…)
Main political groupings go through mergers and defections, but the essence of politics remains the same. As Kyrgyzstan’s political parties jostle for position in the October 4 parliamentary election, surprising new alliances have grown up, in some cases between formerly bitter rivals. (more…)
What price legitimacy if the ruling elite doesn’t always abide by the law? Although Kyrgyzstan modernised its constitution in 2010, its laws continue to be applied unevenly and are often outweighed by power and privilege.
Exporters say customs controls with Kazakstan remain in place despite launch of free trade rules. (more…)
Recent detention of senior figures looks good but may not herald a more comprehensive drive to root out corrupt officials. (more…)