Voters Choosing From Limited Field

Kyrgyz voters chose a new parliament, but some opposition figures and prominent politicians had been disqualified from the ballot.

The constitution prevents President Askar A. Akayev from seeking a third term, but opposition forces have suggested the vote was manipulated to ensure a compliant parliament that would amend the constitution to allow him to run again. Akayev denied he wanted another term, saying after he voted that “I have not had, and do not have, intentions to change the constitution.” The presidential election is slated for October.

Preliminary results were to be announced today.