Accessibility links

Breaking News

Kyrgyz Presidential Candidates Face Off In Debate


Tursunbai Bakir uulu (file photo) 5 July 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Two Kyrgyz presidential candidates today expressed dissatisfaction with the aftermath of a popular uprising that ousted former president Askar Akaev, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service and other media reported.

Tursunbai Bakir uulu, the human rights ombudsman, and Keneshbek Dushebaev, a former interior minister under Akaev, took part in the second live televized debate ahead of the 10 July vote to choose a successor to Akaev.

Both Bakir uulu and Dushebaev said that the 24 March revolt, which brought opposition leaders to power in Kyrgyzstan, has not improved citizens' lives.

Bakir uulu and Dushebaev are two of the six candidates that will contest the presidential poll. Interim President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who is one of the six candidates, will debate on television on 6 July.

(RFE/AP)

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG