The opposition accuses President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and his government of failing to deliver on promises to crack down on corruption and raise living standards in the impoverished ex-Soviet republic since coming to power in 2005 on the back of a violent public uprising, or 'tulip revolution.' His rule has been marred by economic problems, high-profile murders, prison riots, and disputes over the control of lucrative businesses.
Bakiyev submitted Monday a draft of the law On changes to the Constitution of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to the 75-seat parliament, but the legislature does not have a quorum at present because 28 opposition PMs decided to boycott today's session and the bill has been sent to the parliamentary committee for revision.
A crowd of about 2,000 protesters gathered Monday at the capital's central square to continue, for the fifth day in a row, applying pressure on the president to delegate some of his powers to legislature, or resign.
"Today is a decisive day, a turning point of our protest," said Temir Sariyev, a co-chairman of the For Reform movement.
The opposition plans to hold a protest rally later in the day in front of the government building.
Security has been tightened in Bishkek for fear the protests turn violent, with hundreds of riot police on duty. But Deputy Interior Minister Sherkoza Myrzakarimov earlier assured that police "will not intervene as long as protesters comply with the law."
