Kyrgyzstan: Kurmanbek Bakiyev is president
Kurmanbek Bakiyev was inaugurated as the president of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan on August 2, 2009. The solemn ceremony took place at the Government House in the presence of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) lawmakers. President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev was the only foreign leader present.
Polling nearly 77% votes (considerably more than Almazbek Atambayev of the united opposition did, 8.4%), Bakiyev won the election on July 23.
Central Electoral Commission Chairman Damir Lisovsky handed over the presidential badge and standard.
According to RIA-Novosti news agency, Bakiyev himself wished for a modest ceremony without undue pomposity. The inauguration lasted 45 minutes. RL reported Bakiyev weeping during the ceremony.
