Presidential elections, originally expected in 2010, were rescheduled for 23 July 2009. President Bakiyev was widely expected to retain his mandate, while the opposition United People's Movement (OND) announced on 20 April 2009 that it would field a single candidate – Social Democratic Party leader Almaz Atambayev.Bruce Pannier "Kyrgyz opposition unites unveils presidential hopeful" , RFE/RL, 20 April 2009. The election turnout was reported at 79.3%. As of 00:45 local time in Kyrgyzstan on 25 July 2009 (with 2058 of 2330 polling districts reporting), Bakiyev had won the election with 83.8% of the vote.
Presidential elections, originally expected in 2010 were rescheduled for 23 July 2009. President Bakiyev was widely expected to retain his mandate, while the opposition United People's Movement (OND) announced on 20 April 200,9 that it would field a single candidate – Social Democratic Party leader Almaz Atambayev.Bruce Pannier "Kyrgyz opposition unites unveils presidential hopeful" , RFE/RL, 20 April 2009. The election turnout was reported at 79.3%. As of 00:45 local time in Kyrgyzstan on 25 July 2009 (with 2058 of 2330 polling districts reporting), Bakiyev had won the election with 83.8% of the vote.