The Central Election Commission (CEC) in Kyrgyzstan has announced the annulment of its October 4 parliamentary elections following violent protests where Kyrgyzstan’s demonstrators took over government, television and security buildings. Additionally, opposition figures reportedly attempted to seized power by appointing representatives to take over government positions. Kyrgyzstan’s sitting prime minister, Kubatbek Boronov, also resigned following the annulment. 

From to Prison to Parliament to President

10 days after the announcement of the annulment, President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, in an unexpected turn of events, signed a decree accepting the nomination of Sadyr Japarov, who was four years into an 11.5-year prison sentence, as Prime Minister. Sadyr Japarov was previously arrested in 2017 after leading a 2012 protest in favour of nationalising the Kumtor gold mine a famous flashpoint in Kyrgyzstan’s politics, as it was accounting for up to 12% of the country’s GDP at the time.

During the 5th October protests, a handful of inmates were freed including Mr Japarov who later became the choice candidate of a fraction of the existing parliament to replace Boronov. The Kyrgyz Supreme Court agreed to review his case and overturned his conviction, making way for his nomination and approval into parliament. Shortly after signing off the nomination of Mr Japarov as Prime Minister, President Jeenbekov resigned, making way for Mr Japarov to step in as Interim President. While most of the released inmates, including former President Almazbek Atambayev, have now returned to prison, Japrov is now Prime Minister and Interim President. 

What’s Next For Kyrgyzstan?

Fresh elections are expected to take place in early 2021 as suggested by Interim Sadyr Japarov in a statement. The vote will hold alongside a constitutional referendum, which would allow him to actually run for Kyrgyzstan’s presidency.

“Currently, parliament is working on changes to be introduced to the law on presidential and parliamentary elections. If such amendments allow me to take part in the [presidential] election I will go for it. But, it is early to talk about it now, the decision on that issue is pending.” 

Kyrgyzstan’s constitution does not stop an individual serving as an acting or interim president from taking part in a presidential election.