Kyrgyzstan: Criminal Suspects Can Run for Presidency

Individuals who are facing criminal investigations can still be nominated for the upcoming presidential poll, the chairman of the Kyrgyz Central Election Commission has determined. The decision paves the way for a leading opposition figure to challenge the incumbent, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, in the July presidential vote.

"According to the electoral code, only a conviction is an obstacle to the nomination for the post of president," Kyrgyz media quoted Damir Lisovsky as saying March 26.

His announcement means that the leader of the United People's Movement (UPM), Alikbek Jekshenkulov, who is currently in custody awaiting trial on accessory to murder charges, could still be nominated by the umbrella group of opposition parties. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].

The UPM says it intends to nominate a single candidate for the July 23 election, but sources within the movement indicate the strategy is still subject to agreement among the parties. The ruling Ak Zhol Party is expected to settle on its nominee on or before April 11. Bakiyev, who declared his intention to seek a second term in February, is widely expected to be the party's choice.