Failed Election in Kyrgyzstan

In a nation once hailed as a "beacon of democracy" in central Asia following 2005's Tulip Revolution which propelled Kurmanbek Bakiyev to power, yesterday's Presidential election unfortunately failed to meet international standards of freedom and fairness. Opposition leaders, including top challenger Almazbek Atambayev of the Social Democratic Party, accused Bakiyev of "ballot-stuffing" and "election monitor...intimidat[ion]." Atambayev had officially pulled out of the election just before polls opened due to a perceived government-controlled media blackout of the opposition. This election has reflected increasingly un-democratic behavior from Bakiyev, who seemed to be basing his decision earlier this year about allowing US troops to remain at Manas Air Base on whether the Russians or Americans would offer the most lucrative package. Thankfully the opposition has decided to take the high road and challenge the results through legal means. If the best mass protests can get you is a Bakiyev, maybe that's not always the route to go.