Russia rejects ex-Kyrgyz head claim
Bakiyev’s claim to be president dismissed, after interim government calls elections.
No presidential immunity
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The polls will come after a referendum on constitutional change on June 27 aimed at reducing the powers of the president by creating a parliamentary republic with strong checks and balances.
Omurbek Tekebayev, a deputy prime minister who is in charge of constitutional reform, said on national television: “A referendum will take place on June 27 and parliamentary elections on October 10, possibly jointly presidential.”
“The government has approved the timetable.
“In the new draft, the state and political system will be set up to prevent concentration of power in one hand.
“The president will lose his immunity and his family will not be subsidised by the state. The head of state will live on his own salary.”
The proposed constitution will also limit to 50 the number of seats one party is allowed to hold in the 90-seat parliament.
The interim government has accused Bakiyev and his allies of election fraud last year and widespread corruption. His Ak-Zol party dominated the last parliament.
US base
The Central Asian state’s new government has also accused the former leader of ordering the shooting of protesters during the April unrest, that led to the deaths of 85 people.
A senior interim official also said on Thursday that a decision on whether to allow the US to keep an air base in the country, used to support operations in Afghanistan, will not be taken until after the elections.
Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the interim government, said last week that Bakiyev had submitted his resignation in a hand-written letter faxed to the capital, Bishkek.
Otunbayeva read portions of the letter in a televised address to the nation last Friday.
The day before Bakiyev had fled to neighbouring Kazakhstan, ending days of turmoil.
The interim government has said that Bakiyev will face trial for his alleged crimes.