CENTRAL ASIA

OBSERVERS: KYRGYZSTAN ELECTIONS DID NOT MEET DEMOCRATIC STANDARDS

International election observers yesterday criticized Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections as falling short of democratic standards and urged authorities to change their ways ahead of second-round balloting in two weeks.

In Bishkek, a small number of opposition demonstrators scuffled with government supporters during a rally. Early results from the Sunday vote showed more than half the contests for the 75 Parliament seats heading for runoffs, leaving the political future unsettled for the ex-Soviet republic in Central Asia.

The first-round victors included the son of President Akayev, Aidar, although the leader’s daughter, Bermet Akayeva, must face a runoff.

The election was widely seen as a key test for Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to democracy ahead of October presidential elections. Mr. Akayev, who has led Kyrgyzstan since 1990, is prohibited from seeking another term, but the opposition accused his supporters of plans to manipulate the vote so a compliant parliament would amend the constitution to allow a third term.

– Associated Press

OPPOSITION, MONITORS SAY TAJIKISTAN ELECTION TAINTED BY FRAUD

The party of strongman President Rakhmonov appeared headed for an easy victory yesterday but the opposition parties alleged systematic vote-rigging and other breaches in weekend parliamentary elections in the former Soviet republic.

The Central Election Commission said Mr. Rakhmonov’s National Democratic Party had won about 80% of the vote, but it didn’t specify what percentage of the ballots had been counted. All four opposition and one pro-government party accused authorities of intimidating voters, allowing multiple voting and ballot-box stuffing. They demanded that the election results be reviewed and officials responsible for violations be punished.

The five losing parties called for the voting to be declared invalid, Communist Party head Shodi Shabdolov said in a statement. Rahmatullo Zoirov, leader of the Socialist Democratic Party, said the parties would call for public protests across the country if their demands aren’t met.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which sent about 150 observers, said the elections were disappointing, saying authorities largely controlled the campaign and accusing officials of interfering with independent press.

– Associated Press