International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Bakiev has warned that if his reforms are not accepted in Parliament within 10 days, he may initiate a national referendum on them in December. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
For Reforms leader Omurbek Tekebaev was among the opposition leaders who met with Bakiev to try to reach a compromise before the protests. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
31 legislators from the For Reforms opposition movement refused to attend Parliament to hear Bakiev submit his constitutional reforms. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Protesters erected more than 100 tents on the square outside Bakiev’s headquarters to pressure him to step down. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Reporters set up camp to cover the protests which opposition leaders said will continue until Bakiev resigns. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
The protesters said that President Kurmanbek Bakiev has failed to fulfill a pre-election pledge to usher in constitutional reforms to curtail presidential powers. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Bakiev offered concessions to the protesters, but opposition leader Edil Baisalov rejected them saying they do not go far enough. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Bishkek's Alatoo Square to protest the slow pace of economic and political reforms since the country's 2005 Tulip revolution.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Opposition leaders said that they do not plan to seize government buildings, but they warn that they will react if provoked. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
An elderly woman demonstrates in support of President Bakiev. Photo courtesy Dmitry Shevkun/IFES.