UPDATE: The Prosecutor General's office has denied press reports that a criminal case has been opened against the Ata-Jurt party, saying that, on the contrary, it is investigating the provenance and authenticity of the controversial video and audio recordings implicating Kamchybek Tashiev. ___
In early August, leaders of Kyrgyzstan's main political parties signed a memorandum pledging to play clean during the upcoming campaign for parliament. Two months later, as the campaign enters its final stage, mud is flying: leading candidates are accusing each other of foul play while their supporters spread compromising material about rival parties. The brewing political antagonism could end up polarizing voters and undermine provisional government attempts to stabilize the country during or after the October 10 poll.
On October 4, an unlikely coalition of four “opposition” parties -- Respublika, Ata-Jurt, Ar Namys and Jashasyn Kyrgyzstan -- issued a statement accusing the Social Democratic Party (SDPK), the main party affiliated with the government of provisional President Roza Otunbayeva, of “relying on dirty campaign technology which seeks to sow discord among parties.” The statement alleged that SDPK is using so-called “administrative resources” to influence and postpone the vote.
In late September, a video allegedly depicting Omurbek Tekebayev, the leader of the other major pro-government party, Ata-Meken, enjoying sexual liaisons with an unidentified woman (who was also not his wife) appeared on YouTube. Earlier, a documentary shown on Russia’s state-owned NTV channel presented Tekebayev as a corrupt and promiscuous politician. Ata-Meken representatives said that an “information war” had been declared on them and accused Russia of attempting to undermine the party's popularity. The latest political scandal turned violent. On October 6, a group of demonstrators looted and burned materials in the Bishkek headquarters of the Ata-Jurt party, reacting to a video in which party leader Kamchybek Tashiev allegedly advocates for the return of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. Ata-Jurt claimed the tape was fabricated and condemned the attack. However, on October 6, the Kyrgyz prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation into allegations Tashiev incited “inter-regional enmity.” That move is likely to foster increased north-south divisions, as Ata-Jurt strongholds in the south react to what they will surely perceive as unfair pressure from the north, where rivals Ata-Meken and SDPK are strongest.
Polls show that only seven of 29 competing parties are likely to gain a position in the 120-seat legislator. Given the parties’ close proximity, strategists could be betting that “black PR” may increase their chances at the ballot box. The political struggle has a potential to turn violent, observers fear. One military analyst told 24.kg on October 5 that he worries bands of young and armed men, affiliated with political parties, may clash when the results are announced.
Alisher Khamidov is a writer based in Bishkek.
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