Speaker Sultanov

Following Omurbek Tekebaev's (second) resignation, the Kyrgyz Parliament has chosen as speaker Marat Sultanov, an MP from a party which supported ousted dictator Askar Akayev and whom many worry may bow to President Bakiev, whom some fear is seeking to become a new dictator-like strongman. Others, however, simply feel he will lead an independent Parliament in a less confrontational manner than Tekebaev, who before resigning apparently told Bakiev to "hang himself." It does seem clear that Bakiev has won his struggle with Parliament, and that the Presidency will remain the strongest branch of government in whatever system develops there.