Rysbek Akmatbaev at a rally in his support on March 31 (file photo) (RFE/RL)
April 3, 2006 -- Kyrgyzstan's Central Election Commission (CEC) says it will appeal a district court's ruling that it must reinstate the candidacy of Rysbek Akmatbaev for a vacant seat in parliament.
The CEC had barred Akmatbaev from running because he failed to meet a residency requirement. Akmatbaev is reputed to be an organized-crime boss.
The Supreme Court is to consider the CEC's appeal on April 3.
Some 1,000 Akmatbaev supporters demonstrated in Bishkek on March 31 to protest the CEC's ruling.
(AP, Interfax)
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
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