Bakiyev is re-elected President of Kyrgyzstan

The election turnout was reported at 79.3%. As of 22:00 local time in Kyrgyzstan on 26 July, 2009 (with 2,282 of 2,330 polling districts reporting), Bakiev had won the election with 77.81% of the vote.

Earlier in the day (00:40 local time), the results showed the same number of districts reporting, but the numbers were significantly different, showing that Bakiev had won with 82.62% of the vote.

The day after the election the opposition has said it has planned more protests.

Despite initial hopes, Bakiyev’s term in office has been marred by the murder of several prominent politicians, prison riots, economic ills and battles for control of lucrative businesses.

Kyrgyzstan to close US base

A spokesman for the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan stated on Friday that its decision to close down a United States military base is “final”. The base is an important supply route for NATO and U.S. operations in nearby Afghanistan.

“The decision has been made,” said Kyrgyz spokesman Aibek Sultangaziyev. “The U.S. embassy and the [Kyrgyz] foreign ministry are exchanging opinions on this, but there are no discussions on keeping the base.”

The announcement contradicts statements from both Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. saying that talks about the base are still in progress.