21 Oct 2020 12:39

Kyrgyz CEC schedules repeat parliamentary election for Dec 20

BISHKEK. Oct 21 (Interfax) - The Kyrgyz Central Elections Commission (CEC) has scheduled the repeat parliamentary election in the country for December 20, the press service for the Kyrgyz CEC told Interfax on Wednesday.

"The Kyrgyz CEC in today's meeting decided to schedule a repeat parliamentary election for December 20," the press service said.

"Today, the CEC starts preparations for the election, the cost of organizing the repeat parliamentary election is tentatively estimated at 456 million som ($5.6 million), the press service said.

CEC Chair Nurzhan Shaildabekova told reporters on October 16 a repeat parliamentary election might be held tentatively on December 20 and the early presidential election might be held on January 17.

Protests against the outcome of the October 4 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan broke out in the capital of Bishkek, rapidly escalating into unrest. On October 6, the Kyrgyz Central Elections Commission invalidated the election results. However, people taking part in rallies and assemblies began calling for a change of power in the country. Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov declared a state of emergency in Bishkek on October 9 and tendered his resignation on October 15. Newly appointed Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov became the country's acting president on October 16. The parliament lifted the state of emergency in Bishkek the same day.