Turmoil grips China neighbour Kyrgyzstan as protesters storm parliament, election annulled

People protesting the results of a disputed parliamentary election freed imprisoned ex-president Almazbek Atambayev

The ex-Soviet republic’s electoral commission has invalidated the results that saw big victories for pro-Russian President Sooronbay Jeenbekov

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People protesting the results of a parliamentary vote gather by a bonfire in front of the seized main government building, known as the White House, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on October 6. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:20am, 6 Oct 2020Updated: 10:07pm, 6 Oct 2020

Kyrgyzstan’s electoral body said on Tuesday it was cancelling the results of a disputed parliamentary vote that plunged the Central Asian nation into violence and political chaos.

The ex-Soviet nation’s Central Electoral Commission said in a statement that it had “invalidated the election results” which saw parties close to pro-Russian President Sooronbay Jeenbekov score big wins amid accusations of mass vote-buying campaigns.

The results sparked a tumultuous night of protests and clashes in the capital Bishkek, with protesters seizing government buildings and freeing high-profile politicians including ex-president Almazbek Atambayev.

The clashes left dozens injured, with more than 100 people seeking care in hospitals. A health ministry spokeswoman said on Tuesday that one of the injured had died – a man wearing civilian clothes. The ministry had not yet identified the victim.

The crisis – reminiscent of revolutions that saw presidents toppled in 2005 and 2010 – will be closely watched by Russia, which maintains a military base in the landlocked republic of 6.5 million, and neighbouring China.

Moscow’s embassy in Bishkek on Tuesday called for “a legal solution” to the crisis. “Ensuring the safety of citizens, internal stability should be a priority,” it added.