Dr Attard Montalto was chosen by the Party of European Socialists to monitor the presidential election in the former Soviet state which borders China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Remaining reasonably stable throughout most of the 1990s, the country’s young democracy showed relative promise under the leadership of former President Askar Akayev, but moved towards autocracy and authoritarianism. However, turmoil followed President Akayev’s sudden resignation last April.

The area assigned to Dr Attard Montalto, in the south, is one of the most unstable, due to the presence of a strong fundamentalist group.

The election was marred by the violence of recent months, said Dr Attard Montalto. The country’s stability is fragile, not only because of internal tensions but also because neighbouring countries are opposing the democratic reforms being proposed.

He pointed out that the presidential election would probably be won by Bakayef, adding that there will no need for a new election as he had probably managed to gather over 50 per cent of the votes cast.

The success of the election, however, comes in the face of widespread rumours of sabotage and pressure from neighbouring countries and other forces which are also opposed to democratic reform.

Dr Attard Montalto commented that during his visit he noted the high level of security everywhere, especially in places such as the law courts, which had been seized by rebels a few months ago.

During his visit, Dr Attard Montalto met the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister as well as a number of ambassadors and representatives from EU member states.