Kyrgyzstan is witnessing one of the worst political crises anywhere in the world. Thousands of protestors clashed with security forces in the country's capital, Bishkek. A state emergency has been declared by President Sooronbai Jeenbekov till 21st October which increases military power. Declaration of emergency fueled the protests. Government buildings and officers have been captured by protestors and Jeenbekov has gone into hiding.
Parliamentary elections were held on October 4 and preliminary results were declared the very next day. The opposition has accused the government of rigging the results leading to nation-wide protests. The pro-government party and allies won 110 seats out of 120. While the results were the immediate cause of protests the underlying reason is the North-South divide.
The North has effectively ruled the country for a long time and is more advanced economically and more homogenous. However, the South is more diverse, conservative, traditional, and agrarian.
Sooronbai (from the South) is more friendly to Russia. He had joined Russia's Eurasian economic union and blocked the western policies. The North, on the other hand, is pro-western policies.
The protests taking over Russian gold mines has caused concern in Russia. Following protests, the election commissioner announced re-election by annulling the previous one. After the takeover, the new parliament unanimously approved Sadayr Japarov as the country's Prime Minister. Impeachment procedures against Sooranbai Jeenbekov have begun.
Written by Hardik
Artwork by Zara Masood
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