By Aya Telekova (3/23/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Kyrgyzstan’s February 27 parliamentary elections was fraught with multiple violations of the Electoral Code which together with inconclusive results brought about a runoff poll on March 13 in those constituencies where candidates failed to win 50% of votes. Even after the second round, the winner of numerous parliamentary seats remain to be determined. Meanwhile, the list of successful candidates is already represented by a considerable number of deputies from the pro-Presidential parties “Alga Kyrgyzstan”, “Adilet” as well as independent loyalists.

By Timur Dadabaev (3/9/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: With independence in 1991, the government in Uzbekistan assumed the leading role in conducting economic and political reforms in the country. Due to this and other factors, the state retained its legitimacy in the eyes of people as an organization providing for their needs. The present poll demonstrated that a majority of those asked remain somewhat confident with the central government (57.

By Hooman Peimani (3/9/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: As a regional power, Pakistan has sought to increase its presence in the Central Asian countries since their independence in 1991. This policy has reflected certain Pakistani objectives, i.e.