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All quiet in Kyrgyzstan, turnout tops 30% - interior minister

There are 16 candidates in the presidential election

BISHKEK, October 30 (Itar-Tass) —— All is quiet in Kyrgyzstan, which is electing its next president on Sunday, Kyrgyz Interior Minister Zarylbek Rysaliyev said.

“There have been no serious violations of law. A man was seized at a polling station for trying to bribe voters. The court will hear his case,” he said.

“The police were put on the alert on October 25 and moved to barracks on October 28 for ensuring law and order in the elections period,” he said.

Some 6,500 police officers are standing guard at polling stations.

There are 16 candidates in the presidential election. About 30% of nearly 3 million voters cast their votes within seven hours of the elections. The new election laws make the turnout immaterial. The winner needs over 50% of votes in the first round. If no one gains so many votes, the second round will be held between the top two candidates.

Local observers say that Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev has the biggest chances in the election.