OSCE Urges Tolerant Campaigning In Kyrgyzstan

8 July 2005 (RFE/RL) -- A European envoy to Central Asia has called for tolerant campaigning in Kyrgyzstan ahead of the country's 10 July presidential election.

The call came today in Bishkek from Alojz Peterle, the representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Peterle urged politicians to campaign in a "democratic and tolerant -- but certainly not in a violent -- way."

Acting President Kurmanbek Bakiev is seen as the frontrunner in the election, which comes four months after the government of Askar Akaev was ousted in a popular uprising.

(osce.org)

See also:

Bakiev Out Front In Presidential Race

Youth Playing Key Role In Pro-Akiev Political Movement

For RFE/RL's full coverage of Kyrgyzstan's presidential election, see "Kyrgyzstan Votes 2005"