Kyrgyz polls close after protests

Nearly 400 candidates are fighting for 75 seats

Polls have closed quietly in the ex-Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan where President Askar Akayev promised a free and open parliamentary election.

But voting was delayed for two weeks in one district, Tong, after protests about candidates being disqualified.

The vote comes before a presidential election set for October in the central Asian republic.

Mr Akayev has warned against any attempts to oust the government like recent changes in Ukraine and Georgia.

He has promised to step down for the October poll, after more than a decade in power.

However, his critics fear he will use the parliamentary election to prolong his term in office or pave the way for a younger relative to succeed him.

'Blockade to blame'

Elections in Kyrgyzstan are generally regarded as a cosmetic exercise to confirm the status quo, but this campaign has seen stirrings of discontent, the BBC's Ian MacWilliam reports from the capital Bishkek.

The authorities said the protests meant polls had to be delayed

The 75-seat parliament is being contested by nearly 400 candidates.

Several opposition and independent candidates were banned from standing, sparking the protests.

In Tong, roads were blocked by supporters of Arslanbek Maliyev, a popular member of the outgoing parliament barred from standing for office over alleged electoral irregularities.

The electoral commission said the blockade of roads meant polling stations in Tong were not ready for the vote.

Polls in the area have been rescheduled for 13 March.

Opposition disunity

Mr Akayev's government was initially seen as the least authoritarian of the former Soviet governments but it has recently come in for increasing criticism from human rights groups.

KYRGYZSTAN POLL 390 candidates competing for 75 seats More than 40 parties - including the centrist Alga Kyrgyzstan and the opposition People's Movement of Kyrgyzstan Some opposition politicians barred Run-off election held after two weeks, if no party wins more than 50% of the vote Presidential race scheduled for October

He recently warned protesters from attempting to emulate the popular uprisings that have unseated rulers in Ukraine and Georgia, saying this would destabilise the region.

Although Kyrgyzstan is an ally in the "war on terror" and has made space for a US military base on its territory, Mr Akayev remains suspicious of US-funded pressure groups, accusing them of conspiring against him.

However, observers told our correspondent Kyrgyz opposition groups lack the unity to pose a real threat to the government.

Sunday also saw a parliamentary election in Kyrgyzstan's neighbour, Tajikistan.

President Imomali Rakhmonov's allies are widely expected to win the vote.