KYRGYZSTAN / Why these elections are (and are not) significant

Twenty years on from independence, Kyrgyzstan will on October 30th carry out elections whose relevance can be analyzed historically, institutionally, as a potential cause of further political instability and according to their impact on the country's political and socioeconomic development.

Firstly, from a historical perspective, it is essential to mention the symbolic value of Central Asia's first ever presidential elections with an undecided outcome. Indeed, it is uncertain not only if there will or will not be a second round but also who the candidates will be in case one does take place. Furthermore, these elections represent the first time ever that power will be transferred electorally in Central Asia.