Kyrgyz President accepts PM's resignation

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov and his cabinet, the presidential press service said on Tuesday.

Jeenbekov on Monday announced his resignation, clearing the way for his participation in the country's upcoming presidential elections as a candidate, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) on Monday registered Jeenbekov as a candidate for the presidency of Kyrgyzstan.

According to the law, after registration as a presidential candidate, the Prime Minister must either resign or temporarily resign before the end of elections.

Atambayev's acceptance of Jeenbekov's resignation means the process of forming a new government will now begin.

All current cabinet members except Jeenbekov will continue to fulfil their duties until a new cabinet is formed. Muhammetkaliy Abulgaziev, who previously held the post of first Deputy Prime Minister, has been appointed as Acting Prime Minister.

So far, 59 people have applied to run as candidates in the upcoming presidential elections. The registration process will last till September 5 and the election is scheduled for October 15.

According to the Kyrgyz Constitution, the President runs office for six years and is not allowed for re-election.

President Atambayev's term will end on December 1.

--IANS

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