Constitution referendum an unassured step toward stability
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Four favorable factors for interim government
Analysts believe there are at least four favorable factors for the interim government to experience a soomth process in the referendum.
Number one, the interim government has had absolute control of the all of the administrative resources in the country. Besides relying on the state machinery to keep law and order, the government also carried out a propaganda campaign to advocate the referendum.
In the capital city of Bishkek, in the southern city of Osh, and in the central-western province of Jalal-Abad, slogans like "Referendum: Create Life, Create Fortune," could be seen everywhere.
Propped up by the government, motorcades made up of youth groups could be seen patrolling the streets and calling on people to join the vote. The interim government also has sent out large quantities of leaflets by jet planes and tried to attract more voters through text messaging.
Number two, the interim government lowered the turnout threshold to validate the ballot results from 50 percent to no minimum.
The unrest, the interim government said, was stirred by Bakiyev and his supporters and terrorist organizations, and caused thousands of persons to be displaced. As a result, the government lowered the turnout threshold so as to guarantee sufficient turnout.
According to the new rule, the referendum will be passed by 50 percent pro votes.
Number three, the interim government permitted Kyrgyz citizens without required documents to vote, aiming at confronting the challenge it would have entailed to organize.
According the the U.N., the riot in mid June had affected more than one million people and left 300,000 homeless. Most of the refugees lost their ID cards when they fled.
Kyrgyz citizens now can vote without ID documents if their identity was confirmed by at least two precinct election commission members, the interim government said.
Support from the U.S., Russia and the international community also was a favorable factor ensuring the holding of the referendum.
The United Nations, the OSCE and the European Union issued a joint statement June 15 to back the interim government's effort to restore stability to the country.
The United Sates, apart from offering aid to the conflict-stricken country, said it hoped Kyrgyz would carry out "a fair and transparent referendum as an effective step towards the re-establishment of democracy."
Number four, military hardware, including helicopters and armored vehicles from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, were standing by in Kyrgyzstan to ensure the vote.
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