A Stronger Presidency for Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev announced Aug. 15 his candidacy in Kyrgyzstan's presidential election. Atambayev has positioned himself as an ally of Russia, declaring that he would seek the closure of the U.S. air base at Manas when its lease expires in 2014 and negotiating important energy and economic deals with Moscow during his term as prime minister. But Kyrgyzstan remains a deeply divided country, and with many calling for a stronger presidency to replace the new parliamentary system, such a change could usher in fresh instability.