Boredom and Tension

Tajikistan's Presidential election sounds as boring as expected, with Imomali Rahmonov cruising to victory amidst an opposition boycott. In Kyrgyzstan, however, tens of thousands of protestors are filling the streets demanding President Kurmanbek Bakiev either agree to curtail his powers or resign. The context for this is a debate over amending the Constitution and accusations that opposition leaders are planning a coup. I suspect these opposition leaders, several of whom were also active in the March 2005 Tulip Revolution, are less committed to democratic principles than they are increasing the power of governmental organs which they can influence. Sometimes, however, reforms have to proceed a step at a time.

UPDATE: Nathan Hamm is providing excellent coverage of what sounds like Tulip Revolution, Stage Two.