The president of Kyrgyzstan has dissolved parliament, paving the way for a snap election. Kurmanbek Bikayev made the move after a weekend referendum that observers say broadens his hold on power. The deputies in parliament were elected in a disputed election held under the previous rule of Askar Akayev, a veteran politician who was ousted after street demonstrations in 2005.

The opposition claims the weekend referendum is a step towards authoritarianism, placing too much power in the hands of Bakayev. He maintains the changes are needed to establish greater stability.

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