Kyrgyzstan went to presidential polls Sunday in its first elections since a political crisis embroiled the ex-Soviet country and saw a populist freed from jail who is now tipped to top the ballot.

Sadyr Japarov's journey from prison to presidential frontrunner is an example of the dramatic changes in political fortunes in the Central Asian country that is both more unpredictable and pluralistic than its authoritarian neighbours.

But critics of combative Japarov, who became acting leader during the October unrest, fear his victory could tip Kyrgyzstan towards the strongman rule dominant in the ex-Soviet region.

Clad in a traditional Kalpak felt hat, populist Japarov, seen addressing a rally in Bishkek, looks set to claim the presidency just weeks after his release from jail
Clad in a traditional Kalpak felt hat, populist Japarov, seen addressing a rally in Bishkek, looks set to claim the presidency just weeks after his release from jail AFP / VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO

Voting began at 8:00 am (0200 GMT) with first results expected shortly after polling stations close at 8:00 pm (1400 GMT).

In the capital Bishkek, where cold winters usher in a thick blanket of smog courtesy of polluting heating systems and ageing transport, many voters said they intended to back Japarov at the ballot box.

"Of course I am for Japarov," said 49-year-old Talant Samatov, who owns a small sewing shop.

Adakhan Madumarov, who has twice run for the presidency before, is seeking to make it third time lucky at Japarov's expense
Adakhan Madumarov, who has twice run for the presidency before, is seeking to make it third time lucky at Japarov's expense AFP / VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO

He said he believes the 11-year sentence that Japarov received in 2017 for taking a government official hostage was unfair.

"He experienced deep injustice and now he will become a just leader for us," Samatov said.

In addition to picking a new president Kyrgyz are choosing between parliamentary and presidential forms of government, with Japarov backing greater powers for the post he is seeking.

A woman casts her ballot during early voting in Arashan, outside Bishkek, as Kazakhs embark on their first elections since a political crisis embroiled the ex-Soviet country in October
A woman casts her ballot during early voting in Arashan, outside Bishkek, as Kazakhs embark on their first elections since a political crisis embroiled the ex-Soviet country in October AFP / VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO

Japarov, who was sprung from jail by supporters during the crisis before a court overturned his conviction, has styled himself as an uncompromising opponent of organised crime and systemic corruption.

An elderly man scrutinises a ballot paper on the eve of the poll in a country which has seen three heads of state step down over street protests since independence in 1991
An elderly man scrutinises a ballot paper on the eve of the poll in a country which has seen three heads of state step down over street protests since independence in 1991 AFP / VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO

He has poured scorn on critics, some of whom have speculated that criminal networks are behind his rise for power.

But he struck a unifying tone in his last campaign appearance on Friday in Bishkek.

"Let us come together... treat each other with understanding and respect. We are one country, one people," he told a crowd of several thousand people.

Frontrunner Japarov greets supporters at a campaign rally, three months after he languished in jail, mourning his parents and a son who all died whilst he was imprisoned
Frontrunner Japarov greets supporters at a campaign rally, three months after he languished in jail, mourning his parents and a son who all died whilst he was imprisoned AFPTV / Arseny MAMASHEV

With a threadbare economy battered by the coronavirus pandemic, Kyrgyzstan's next leader is likely to be even more dependent on goodwill from allies Russia -- a destination for hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrants -- and neighbouring economic giant China.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently described the overthrow of the previous government as a "misfortune".

At his end of year press-conference Putin chided Kyrgyz politicians for attempting to imitate Western democracies.

Beijing's ambassador met with Kyrgyz officials several times last year to discuss protection for Chinese businesses, some of which were attacked during the unrest.

Mountainous Kyrgyzstan's votes are more competitive than in its ex-Soviet neighbours, but they have rarely offered an even playing field.

The crisis that allowed for Japarov's overnight rehabilitation and rise to power was sparked by vote-buying campaigns favouring parties close to former president Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

Jeenbekov resigned less than two weeks later at the insistence of Japarov's supporters and after agreeing to sign off on Japarov's election as prime minister by parliament.

It was the third time a Kyrgyz head of state has stepped down over street protests since independence in 1991.

While constitutional requirements saw Japarov abandon his positions to compete in Sunday's election, rivals have complained that his campaign has benefited from the resources of the state, where his allies now occupy top posts.

On Friday the national security committee said it was investigating evidence that "certain presidential candidates and their supporters" were planning unrest after the vote, but did not name the candidates.

Bekjol Nurmatov, a 77-year-old retiree, accused Japarov of "plunging the people into chaos" last year and complained his campaign was using "administrative resources" to win votes in the Osh region from which Nurmatov hails.

"Madumarov is a worthy candidate, the retiree said, accusing frontrunner Japarov of "hiding from the people."

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