News Directory

Hold elections October 10 Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek (AFP / Reuters) - Kyrgyzstan will hold a general election of October 10 after a referendum that aims to reduce kekusaan president, the interim government said Thursday.

The interim government tried to restore order after a revolt 7 April that ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, killing at least 85 people.

Omurbek Tekebayev, deputy prime minister responsible for constitutional reform, said the presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on October 10 after a referendum concerning the constitutional changes which will be held June 27.

"The referendum will be held June 27 and October 10 parliamentary elections, possibly combined with the presidential election," Tekebayev said by telephone. "The government has approved the timetable."

Tekebayev said that the government plans to reduce presidential powers and form a parliamentary republic.

But diplomats said the new leaders of Kyrgyzstan will have to fight hard to menwujudkan a beacon of democracy in Central Asian countries, one territory held by authoritarian leaders.

Bakiyev, in Belarus after fleeing from Kyrgyzstan last week stating he was still president. The interim government said he had resigned, but did not appoint his successor.