INTERNATIONAL

Protesters storm Parliament over Kyrgyzstan vote

Protesters in Kyrgyzstan calling for the country’s parliamentary election to be annulled have broken into parliament in the capital, Bishkek.

Footage showed people in the office of President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, and throwing paper from windows. Parts of the building appeared to be on fire.

The break-in follows a day of clashes with police, who initially dispersed crowds with water cannon and tear gas.

The clashes come amid allegations of vote-rigging in last Sunday’s election.

One person died and nearly 600 were injured in the unrest, according to the Health Ministry.

President Jeenbekov has appealed for a return to order, accusing “certain political forces” of attempting to illegally seize power.

He has met opposition party leaders and said he would annul the results of the election if necessary.

Following the vote, only four parties out of 16 passed the 7% threshold for entry into parliament, three of which have close ties to President Jeenbekov.

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