Thursday, November 16, 2006

More on Kyrgyz Revolution

Erica Marat reports on the composition of the Kyrgyz opposition:
"The opposition, comprised of parliamentarians and NGO leaders, is frank about the fact that some of its leaders’ strong economic backgrounds helped to mobilize a capable political force. Many have described it as a 'revolution of the bourgeoisie,' sponsored by well-off businessmen who are also concerned with political stability and an open market environment. For Reforms’ leaders invested in tents, food, leaflets, and other supplies for the protests...

"The new voting system should encourage political party formation, but this process will be rather slower than the changes within the government. According to For Reforms’ leader Raya Kadyrova, realistic predictions for the next parliamentary elections in 2010 indicate that half of the candidates elected through the majority system will still represent a class of rich entrepreneurs who are guided by private interests. Most seats allocated according to party lists will be taken by veteran party leaders and only about one-third will likely be distributed among political leaders who are not involved in businesses. Furthermore, members of civil society will be actively recruited into political life. For instance, Edil Baisalov, a widely known civic activist, is likely to be in high demand by a number of political parties."

This wouldn't be the first time that concerns over the security of private property have led to a movement for democratization.

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