Voters in Kyrgyzstan went to polls Sunday for a constitutional referendum widely expected to see incumbent leader Sadyr Japarov's powers expanded while allowing him to run for office a second time.

Japarov, a 52-year-old populist, has brushed aside political opponents since coming to power on the back of an October political crisis in which he was first released from jail by supporters, beginning a dizzying rise to the leadership.

He confirmed his dominance by posting a landslide victory in a presidential election in January that also saw voters indicate a preference for presidential over parliamentary rule in a parallel vote, boosting his drive to overhaul the basic law. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Two of his opponents on the ballot and a former prime minister were arrested in the weeks after the vote as Japarov and his allies further cemented their control. &nbsp;

The new leader's proposed constitutional amendments promise a presidency in line with impoverished Kyrgyzstan's Central Asian neighbours, ending a decade-long experiment with a mixed system.

Local critics have dubbed the draft document a "khanstitution" for its expansion of presidential powers of appointment at the expense of parliament, which will be downsized from 120 to 90 lawmakers if the changes pass.&nbsp;

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe's Venice Commission criticised the lack of "meaningful and inclusive public consultations and debate in parliament" before the basic law was put to the people in a joint opinion published in March.

The two bodies also raised fears over the "overly prominent role and prerogatives of the President". &nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin of Russia, a key ally, expressed support for the constitutional drive in February when Japarov went to Moscow in his first foreign visit, saying that he hoped it would bring stability to the country of 6.5 million.&nbsp;

Japarov's predecessor, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, became the third Kyrgyz president to resign during a political crisis since the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 last October.

If voters back the draft constitution, presidents including Japarov will be able to run in consecutive elections once more, reversing the single-term limit imposed on leaders during an overhaul of the basic law in 2010. &nbsp;

That change was championed as a safeguard against entrenchment after two revolutions in the space of five years unseated authoritarian leaders and their powerful families.&nbsp;

Voting in the referendum began at 0200 GMT and will conclude at 1400 GMT with results expected shortly after polls close and a 30 per cent turnout required to validate the election.&nbsp;

Voters in Kyrgyzstan went to polls Sunday for a constitutional referendum widely expected to see incumbent leader Sadyr Japarov's powers expanded while allowing him to run for office a second time.

Voters in Kyrgyzstan went to polls Sunday for a constitutional referendum widely expected to see incumbent leader Sadyr Japarov's powers expanded while allowing him to run for office a second time. Japarov, a 52-year-old populist, has brushed aside political opponents since coming to power on the back of an October political crisis in which he was first released from jail by supporters, beginning a dizzying rise to the leadership. He confirmed his dominance by posting a landslide victory in a presidential election in January that also saw voters indicate a preference for presidential over parliamentary rule in a parallel vote, boosting his drive to overhaul the basic law. Two of his opponents on the ballot and a former prime minister were arrested in the weeks after the vote as Japarov and his allies further cemented their control. The new leader's proposed constitutional amendments promise a presidency in line with impoverished Kyrgyzstan's Central Asian neighbours, ending a decade-long experiment with a mixed system. Local critics have dubbed the draft document a "khanstitution" for its expansion of presidential powers of appointment at the expense of parliament, which will be downsized from 120 to 90 lawmakers if the changes pass. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe's Venice Commission criticised the lack of "meaningful and inclusive public consultations and debate in parliament" before the basic law was put to the people in a joint opinion published in March. The two bodies also raised fears over the "overly prominent role and prerogatives of the President". President Vladimir Putin of Russia, a key ally, expressed support for the constitutional drive in February when Japarov went to Moscow in his first foreign visit, saying that he hoped it would bring stability to the country of 6.5 million. Japarov's predecessor, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, became the third Kyrgyz president to resign during a political crisis since the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 last October. If voters back the draft constitution, presidents including Japarov will be able to run in consecutive elections once more, reversing the single-term limit imposed on leaders during an overhaul of the basic law in 2010. That change was championed as a safeguard against entrenchment after two revolutions in the space of five years unseated authoritarian leaders and their powerful families. Voting in the referendum began at 0200 GMT and will conclude at 1400 GMT with results expected shortly after polls close and a 30 per cent turnout required to validate the election.

Kyrgyz vote on constitution boosting presidential powers

The Nationalist Politician Sadyr Japarov has won by a landslide in Kyrgyzstan's presidential election, one triggered by the collapse of the previous government.

Kyrgyzstan choose their next leader & new political system

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov said on Thursday he would step down as acting president of the Central Asian nation in the coming days in order to run in the January 10 presidential election.

Parliamentary speaker Talant Mamytov, a close ally of the prime minister, will take over as acting head of state in line with the constitution, Japarov told a news briefing.

The former Soviet republic, known for its political volatility, is closely allied with Moscow and hosts a Russian military airbase. Its constitution bars caretaker leaders from running in the presidential elections that they oversee.

Japarov, a 51-year-old nationalist politician, came to power after violent protests over a parliamentary election last month toppled the government of President Sooronbai Jeenbekov.

He had initially planned to delay the presidential election until after a planned constitutional reform, but Thursday's announcement indicated that was no longer an option.

Protests have toppled three Kyrgyz leaders over the last 15 years, but Japarov has said that last month's revolt would change nothing in Bishkek's "strategic" relations with Moscow.

On Thursday, he promised not to contest the results of the January vote in the event of his loss and to stop his supporters from taking to the streets.

"We need a clean vote," he said. "(Rigged votes) were the reason why we have had three revolutions."

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov said on Thursday he would step down as acting president of the Central Asian nation in the coming days in order to run in the January 10 presidential election.

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov said on Thursday he would step down as acting president of the Central Asian nation in the coming days in order to run in the January 10 presidential election. Parliamentary speaker Talant Mamytov, a close ally of the prime minister, will take over as acting head of state in line with the constitution, Japarov told a news briefing. The former Soviet republic, known for its political volatility, is closely allied with Moscow and hosts a Russian military airbase. Its constitution bars caretaker leaders from running in the presidential elections that they oversee. Japarov, a 51-year-old nationalist politician, came to power after violent protests over a parliamentary election last month toppled the government of President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. He had initially planned to delay the presidential election until after a planned constitutional reform, but Thursday's announcement indicated that was no longer an option. Protests have toppled three Kyrgyz leaders over the last 15 years, but Japarov has said that last month's revolt would change nothing in Bishkek's "strategic" relations with Moscow. On Thursday, he promised not to contest the results of the January vote in the event of his loss and to stop his supporters from taking to the streets. "We need a clean vote," he said. "(Rigged votes) were the reason why we have had three revolutions."

Kyrgyzstan PM to step down as acting president, run in election

Even as things struggle to settle in Kyrgyzstan after unrest due to disputed election, the Kyrgyz envoy to India has said democracy will continue in the country.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kyrgyzstan's envoy to New Delhi Asein Isaev said, "According to our constitution, new elections will be held. The new government is working on it."&nbsp;

This is the first time the envoy has spoken about political developments in his country.&nbsp;

Excerpts from his interview --

WION: If you can describe what has happened in your country...

Asein Isaev: It was result of unfair parliamentary elections. Specific of this election, 16 parties were contesting. And when result of elections were announced, only three parties won, and the other 13 parties could not be in the parliament. By opinion of people, it was unfair. Three parties do not represent the interest of all people. People gathered at the main square and demanded to eliminate the result. It was provocation -- some groups started to damage buildings and cafes and restaurants. Police force was called in to forge law and order, but to no avail. People called for new elections. It was unexpected and no one expected this result. And as a result, the prime minister and the minister of home affairs had to resign.

WION: Will new elections take place?

Asein Isaev: The new leader came from jail -- he was a political prisoner. His name is Sadyr Japarov -- he is now the prime minister and the current president. He was in jail for 11 years. People demanded he must be elected as the PM. When our president resigned, according to constitution, obligation of his duties were put on current PM. He announced everything must be done by constitution and by law. According to constitution, new elections will be done. The new government is working on it.

WION: Any foreign influence in what has happened in your country ?&nbsp;

Asein Isaev: Everything happened very quickly, and nobody had expected it. There was, however, no foreign influence. Not even from China. China has said it respects our sovereignty and never will be involved in our internal affairs. We respect each other. There's no evidence to show China was involved in our internal affairs.

WION: On ties with India, any engagement by new administration?

Asein Isaev: Our new prime minister announced he would continue agreements with our foreign partners. He will continue democracy, and India is our natural ally. We are proud that last year we were able to sign an important agreement with India.

WION: The SCO virtual meet will take place on Nov 30. You are part of SCO. Have you received the SCO Council of Heads of Government invitation?

Asein Isaev: Yes, we have recieved a formal invitation and our head of state will participate in it. 
&nbsp;

Even as things struggle to settle in Kyrgyzstan after unrest due to disputed election, the Kyrgyz envoy to India has said democracy will continue in the country.

Even as things struggle to settle in Kyrgyzstan after unrest due to disputed election, the Kyrgyz envoy to India has said democracy will continue in the country. Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kyrgyzstan's envoy to New Delhi Asein Isaev said, "According to our constitution, new elections will be held. The new government is working on it." This is the first time the envoy has spoken about political developments in his country. Excerpts from his interview -- WION: If you can describe what has happened in your country... Asein Isaev: It was result of unfair parliamentary elections. Specific of this election, 16 parties were contesting. And when result of elections were announced, only three parties won, and the other 13 parties could not be in the parliament. By opinion of people, it was unfair. Three parties do not represent the interest of all people. People gathered at the main square and demanded to eliminate the result. It was provocation -- some groups started to damage buildings and cafes and restaurants. Police force was called in to forge law and order, but to no avail. People called for new elections. It was unexpected and no one expected this result. And as a result, the prime minister and the minister of home affairs had to resign. WION: Will new elections take place? Asein Isaev: The new leader came from jail -- he was a political prisoner. His name is Sadyr Japarov -- he is now the prime minister and the current president. He was in jail for 11 years. People demanded he must be elected as the PM. When our president resigned, according to constitution, obligation of his duties were put on current PM. He announced everything must be done by constitution and by law. According to constitution, new elections will be done. The new government is working on it. WION: Any foreign influence in what has happened in your country ? Asein Isaev: Everything happened very quickly, and nobody had expected it. There was, however, no foreign influence. Not even from China. China has said it respects our sovereignty and never will be involved in our internal affairs. We respect each other. There's no evidence to show China was involved in our internal affairs. WION: On ties with India, any engagement by new administration? Asein Isaev: Our new prime minister announced he would continue agreements with our foreign partners. He will continue democracy, and India is our natural ally. We are proud that last year we were able to sign an important agreement with India. WION: The SCO virtual meet will take place on Nov 30. You are part of SCO. Have you received the SCO Council of Heads of Government invitation? Asein Isaev: Yes, we have recieved a formal invitation and our head of state will participate in it.

Democracy will continue in Kyrgyzstan, envoy tells WION

Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov resigned on Thursday amid political unrest in the country.

Watch:&nbsp;

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"I am not clinging to power. I do not want to go down in the history of Kyrgyzstan as a president who allowed bloodshed and shooting on its people. I have taken the decision to resign," the president said.

Protesters had hit the streets after October 4 parliamentary election in which Jeenbekov's allies were declared winners. The election was later annulled.

"The military and security forces will be obliged to use their weapons to protect the state residence. Blood will be inevitably shed. I urge both sides not to fall for provocations," Jeenbekov said as he decided to step down.

Jeenbekov had said earlier that he would resign after the announcement of fresh elections. As the unrest continued, Russian President Vladimir Putin's deputy chief of staff Dmitry Kozak arrived in the country for talks with Jeenbekov and Opposition leader Japarov.

The clashes on the streets have led to at least 1,200 people being injured with one person killed as Jeenbekov imposed a state of emergency on Friday.

On Wednesday, over 80 lawmakers had attended an extraordinary Parliament session as Japarov secured the backing of the ruling coalition who backed the populist leader as the new prime minister.

Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov resigned on Thursday amid political unrest in the country. Watch: "I am not clinging to power. I do not want to go down in the history of Kyrgyzstan as a president who allowed bloodshed and shooting on its people.

Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov resigned on Thursday amid political unrest in the country. Watch: "I am not clinging to power. I do not want to go down in the history of Kyrgyzstan as a president who allowed bloodshed and shooting on its people. I have taken the decision to resign," the president said. Protesters had hit the streets after October 4 parliamentary election in which Jeenbekov's allies were declared winners. The election was later annulled. "The military and security forces will be obliged to use their weapons to protect the state residence. Blood will be inevitably shed. I urge both sides not to fall for provocations," Jeenbekov said as he decided to step down. Jeenbekov had said earlier that he would resign after the announcement of fresh elections. As the unrest continued, Russian President Vladimir Putin's deputy chief of staff Dmitry Kozak arrived in the country for talks with Jeenbekov and Opposition leader Japarov. The clashes on the streets have led to at least 1,200 people being injured with one person killed as Jeenbekov imposed a state of emergency on Friday. On Wednesday, over 80 lawmakers had attended an extraordinary Parliament session as Japarov secured the backing of the ruling coalition who backed the populist leader as the new prime minister.

President Jeenbekov resigns amid political turmoil in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbai Jeenbekov ordered the dismissal of Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov and his cabinet as protesters clashed in capital Bishkek.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrgyzstan-president-says-ready-to-resign-once-new-cabinet-appointed-333716">Also Read:&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan president says ready to resign once new cabinet appointed</a>

Fresh clashes broke out in the Central Asian Republic over a disputed election as rival political camps took to the streets.&nbsp;

President Sooronbai Jeenbekov declared a state of emergency in Bishkek and called in the military even as he said he is ready to resign to end the post-election chaos.

"After legitimate executive authorities are approved and we are back on the path of lawfulness, I am ready to leave the post of President of the Kyrgyz Republic," Jeenbekov said.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said the situation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrgyzstan-prime-minister-resigns-during-post-vote-chaos-333077">Kyrgyzstan </a>was "a mess and chaos" as opposition groups proposed their candidates for an interim prime minister.

The current instability has occurred after election victory was handed two parties one of which was close to President Jeenbekov as other parties refused to accept the results.

One person has been killed and several hundred injured since clashes broke out this week.

President Sooronbay Jeenbekov is largely seen to be pro-Russian, even though authorities have annulled election results. &nbsp;Sadyr Japarov, 51, from the &nbsp;Mekenchil political party was declared the acting prime minister in parliament session hosted in a hotel after the parliament building was seized by protesters during the unrest.

However, other political parties have refused to recognise Sunday's vote have said they do not recognise his election.

Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbai Jeenbekov ordered the dismissal of Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov and his cabinet as protesters clashed in capital Bishkek. Also Read: Kyrgyzstan president says ready to resign once new cabinet appointed Fresh clashes broke out in the Central Asian Republic over a disputed election as rival political camps took to the streets.

Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbai Jeenbekov ordered the dismissal of Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov and his cabinet as protesters clashed in capital Bishkek. Also Read: Kyrgyzstan president says ready to resign once new cabinet appointed Fresh clashes broke out in the Central Asian Republic over a disputed election as rival political camps took to the streets. President Sooronbai Jeenbekov declared a state of emergency in Bishkek and called in the military even as he said he is ready to resign to end the post-election chaos. "After legitimate executive authorities are approved and we are back on the path of lawfulness, I am ready to leave the post of President of the Kyrgyz Republic," Jeenbekov said. Meanwhile, the Kremlin said the situation in Kyrgyzstan was "a mess and chaos" as opposition groups proposed their candidates for an interim prime minister. The current instability has occurred after election victory was handed two parties one of which was close to President Jeenbekov as other parties refused to accept the results. One person has been killed and several hundred injured since clashes broke out this week. President Sooronbay Jeenbekov is largely seen to be pro-Russian, even though authorities have annulled election results. Sadyr Japarov, 51, from the Mekenchil political party was declared the acting prime minister in parliament session hosted in a hotel after the parliament building was seized by protesters during the unrest. However, other political parties have refused to recognise Sunday's vote have said they do not recognise his election.

Protesters clash in Kyrgyzstan as President Jeenbekov says 'ready to resign'

Kyrgyzstan's prime minister Kubatbek Boronov resigned Tuesday after widespread unrest pushed the country's electoral body to cancel the results of Sunday's parliament elections.&nbsp;

Boronov, an ally of pro-Russian President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, was replaced by a nationalist politician that protesters released from jail the day before.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-election-protests-put-kyrgyzstan-on-brink-of-revolt-332836">Post-election protests put Kyrgyzstan on brink of revolt</a>

Unrest over the vote left almost 700 hurt and one dead and appeared to be spreading Tuesday to other parts of the country, raising concerns from Russia which has a powerful influence in the ex-Soviet country wedged between China and Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kyrgyzstan-unrest-in-an-attempt-to-disperse-demonstrators-police-uses-tear-gas-333073/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kyrgyzstan's Central Electoral Commission said that it had "invalidated the election results" which saw parties close to Jeenbekov dominate results amid accusations of mass vote-buying.

The results sparked a tumultuous Monday night in the capital Bishkek, with protesters seizing government buildings and freeing high-profile politicians from prison, including former president Almazbek Atambayev.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-chinese-websites-claim-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan-part-of-china-draws-ire-of-central-asia-298057">Now, Chinese websites claim Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan part of China; draws ire of Central Asia</a>

The new prime minister, Sadyr Japarov, was elected during an extraordinary meeting in a hotel after protesters seized the parliament building, the parliamentary press service said.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kremlin was "certainly concerned" over the unrest.

Russian military authorities said they had beefed up security at their base&nbsp;outside the capital.

The United States meanwhile called on all sides to "refrain from violence and resolve the election dispute through peaceful means".

Attempt to seize power

Bishkek was calmer on Tuesday, although the president's office remained under the control of protesters and there were some reports of crowds roaming the streets targeting businesses and other organisations.&nbsp;

Jeenbekov's office said the president had remained in the capital, despite not making any public appearances.&nbsp;

But reports indicated that unrest was spreading beyond the capital with several gold and coal mines -- critical to the threadbare state budget -- seized or damaged by marauders.

More than a dozen political parties said they had formed a "coordination council" to restore stability and "return to the rule of law", criticising the presidency for failing to ensure a fair election.&nbsp;

However, the new prime minister's party has refused to recognise the council.

President Jeenbekov has insisted the situation in the country is under his control, and accused "several political forces" of attempting to seize power Tuesday.&nbsp;

"I ordered law enforcement agencies not to open fire or shed blood, so as not to endanger the life of a single citizen," Jeenbekov said.&nbsp;

A court in Bishkek on Tuesday reversed incoming premier Japarov's 11.5-year conviction for hostage-taking and other crimes that he began serving in 2018. &nbsp;

Banks and many shops and restaurants were closed in central Bishkek, with storeowners removing their goods over looting fears.&nbsp;

Mines targeted

Weakened security after uprisings in 2005 and 2010 saw criminal gangs target mining enterprises that are typically in remote locations.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman for Alliance Altyn, which operates&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan's second-largest gold mine, based in the western Talas region, told AFP that work at the mine had ceased work after a group of men broke into the premises and set fire to a processing unit.

"Our employees were not hurt, thank goodness. We cannot say yet when we will work again," said spokeswoman Kasiyet Karacholkova.

On the same day, an enterprise that controls a vast coal mine in Naryn region said that their mine had been seized and their offices robbed by a criminal gang.&nbsp;

Business associations called on political parties to ensure stability in order to help businesses facing "huge losses" over the coronavirus pandemic in a joint letter.&nbsp;

Opposition supporters had poured onto Bishkek's streets Monday to demand the president's resignation and a re-run of Sunday's poll that left three parties from the outgoing parliament out in the cold.

The peaceful demonstrations in Bishkek turned violent later after clashes with police. &nbsp;

Some protesters then marched to the State National Security Committee building where former president Atambayev was jailed.

Footage posted on social media showed the 64-year-old greeting supporters after he left jail, where he was serving an 11-year-sentence for his role in the illegal release from jail of a mob boss.

Atambayev was once close with his successor Jeenbekov, but the pair fell out shortly after the 61-year-old won 2017's presidential election.

Kyrgyzstan's prime minister Kubatbek Boronov resigned Tuesday after widespread unrest pushed the country's electoral body to cancel the results of Sunday's parliament elections.

Kyrgyzstan's prime minister Kubatbek Boronov resigned Tuesday after widespread unrest pushed the country's electoral body to cancel the results of Sunday's parliament elections. Boronov, an ally of pro-Russian President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, was replaced by a nationalist politician that protesters released from jail the day before. Also read: Post-election protests put Kyrgyzstan on brink of revolt Unrest over the vote left almost 700 hurt and one dead and appeared to be spreading Tuesday to other parts of the country, raising concerns from Russia which has a powerful influence in the ex-Soviet country wedged between China and Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan's Central Electoral Commission said that it had "invalidated the election results" which saw parties close to Jeenbekov dominate results amid accusations of mass vote-buying. The results sparked a tumultuous Monday night in the capital Bishkek, with protesters seizing government buildings and freeing high-profile politicians from prison, including former president Almazbek Atambayev. Also read: Now, Chinese websites claim Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan part of China; draws ire of Central Asia The new prime minister, Sadyr Japarov, was elected during an extraordinary meeting in a hotel after protesters seized the parliament building, the parliamentary press service said. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the Kremlin was "certainly concerned" over the unrest. Russian military authorities said they had beefed up security at their base outside the capital. The United States meanwhile called on all sides to "refrain from violence and resolve the election dispute through peaceful means". Attempt to seize power Bishkek was calmer on Tuesday, although the president's office remained under the control of protesters and there were some reports of crowds roaming the streets targeting businesses and other organisations. Jeenbekov's office said the president had remained in the capital, despite not making any public appearances. But reports indicated that unrest was spreading beyond the capital with several gold and coal mines -- critical to the threadbare state budget -- seized or damaged by marauders. More than a dozen political parties said they had formed a "coordination council" to restore stability and "return to the rule of law", criticising the presidency for failing to ensure a fair election. However, the new prime minister's party has refused to recognise the council. President Jeenbekov has insisted the situation in the country is under his control, and accused "several political forces" of attempting to seize power Tuesday. "I ordered law enforcement agencies not to open fire or shed blood, so as not to endanger the life of a single citizen," Jeenbekov said. A court in Bishkek on Tuesday reversed incoming premier Japarov's 11.5-year conviction for hostage-taking and other crimes that he began serving in 2018. Banks and many shops and restaurants were closed in central Bishkek, with storeowners removing their goods over looting fears. Mines targeted Weakened security after uprisings in 2005 and 2010 saw criminal gangs target mining enterprises that are typically in remote locations. A spokeswoman for Alliance Altyn, which operates Kyrgyzstan's second-largest gold mine, based in the western Talas region, told AFP that work at the mine had ceased work after a group of men broke into the premises and set fire to a processing unit. "Our employees were not hurt, thank goodness. We cannot say yet when we will work again," said spokeswoman Kasiyet Karacholkova. On the same day, an enterprise that controls a vast coal mine in Naryn region said that their mine had been seized and their offices robbed by a criminal gang. Business associations called on political parties to ensure stability in order to help businesses facing "huge losses" over the coronavirus pandemic in a joint letter. Opposition supporters had poured onto Bishkek's streets Monday to demand the president's resignation and a re-run of Sunday's poll that left three parties from the outgoing parliament out in the cold. The peaceful demonstrations in Bishkek turned violent later after clashes with police. Some protesters then marched to the State National Security Committee building where former president Atambayev was jailed. Footage posted on social media showed the 64-year-old greeting supporters after he left jail, where he was serving an 11-year-sentence for his role in the illegal release from jail of a mob boss. Atambayev was once close with his successor Jeenbekov, but the pair fell out shortly after the 61-year-old won 2017's presidential election.

Kyrgyzstan prime minister resigns during post-vote chaos

People protesting the results of a parliamentary election in&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;broke into government and security headquarters early on Tuesday and freed a former president from custody, local news websites said.

President Sooronbai Jeenbekov described their actions as a bid by some political forces to seize power illegally, but said the authorities did not rule out holding another vote as public rallies started in several cities across the country.

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The thousands-strong protests broke out after two establishment parties, one of which is close to Jeenbekov, swept Sunday's vote, according to preliminary results.

Protesters demanded that the vote results be cancelled and the Central Election Commission said on Tuesday it would consider their request, local news website 24.kg reported.

Police had dispersed the protest late on Monday, but protesters returned to the central square of capital Bishkek hours later and broke into the building that houses both the president and parliament, the local websites said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-chinese-websites-claim-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan-part-of-china-draws-ire-of-central-asia-298057">Now, Chinese websites claim Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan part of China; draws ire of Central Asia</a>

The building known locally as the White House briefly caught fire on Tuesday morning, but the blaze was quickly put out.

Protesters then broke into the headquarters of State Committee on National Security and freed former president Almazbek Atambayev, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term this year on corruption charges after falling out with Jeenbekov, his successor.

Opposition groups took over several more buildings, including the mayor's office, and appointed their own acting head of national security, acting prosecutor general and a commandant of Bishkek although it was unclear how much actual power they wielded.

Several provincial governors have resigned, according to local media reports.

One person has been killed and 590 wounded in the overnight clashes, the government said. Jeenbekov said on Tuesday he had ordered security forces not to use firearms and "not to shed blood".

Local media reported that public rallies began on Tuesday in several provincial centres, most of them anti-government, while Jeenbekov's supporters gathered in the southern city of Osh, where his brother Asylbek Jeenbekov called for unity and order.

The Central Asian country of 6.5 million, which is closely allied with Russia, has a history of political volatility. In the past 15 years, two of its presidents have been toppled by revolts.

People protesting the results of a parliamentary election in Kyrgyzstan broke into government and security headquarters early on Tuesday and freed a former president from custody, local news websites said.

People protesting the results of a parliamentary election in Kyrgyzstan broke into government and security headquarters early on Tuesday and freed a former president from custody, local news websites said. President Sooronbai Jeenbekov described their actions as a bid by some political forces to seize power illegally, but said the authorities did not rule out holding another vote as public rallies started in several cities across the country. The thousands-strong protests broke out after two establishment parties, one of which is close to Jeenbekov, swept Sunday's vote, according to preliminary results. Protesters demanded that the vote results be cancelled and the Central Election Commission said on Tuesday it would consider their request, local news website 24.kg reported. Police had dispersed the protest late on Monday, but protesters returned to the central square of capital Bishkek hours later and broke into the building that houses both the president and parliament, the local websites said. Also read: Now, Chinese websites claim Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan part of China; draws ire of Central Asia The building known locally as the White House briefly caught fire on Tuesday morning, but the blaze was quickly put out. Protesters then broke into the headquarters of State Committee on National Security and freed former president Almazbek Atambayev, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term this year on corruption charges after falling out with Jeenbekov, his successor. Opposition groups took over several more buildings, including the mayor's office, and appointed their own acting head of national security, acting prosecutor general and a commandant of Bishkek although it was unclear how much actual power they wielded. Several provincial governors have resigned, according to local media reports. One person has been killed and 590 wounded in the overnight clashes, the government said. Jeenbekov said on Tuesday he had ordered security forces not to use firearms and "not to shed blood". Local media reported that public rallies began on Tuesday in several provincial centres, most of them anti-government, while Jeenbekov's supporters gathered in the southern city of Osh, where his brother Asylbek Jeenbekov called for unity and order. The Central Asian country of 6.5 million, which is closely allied with Russia, has a history of political volatility. In the past 15 years, two of its presidents have been toppled by revolts.

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