It took Kyrgyz opposition two days of discourse and consultations to merge into a new Movement For Justice. The new opposition movement comprises nine political parties and ten organizations, each frustrated with the outcome of the parliamentary election on December 16.

Three leading parties of the opposition that eventually joined the new movement had failed to make the parliament. Ata-Meken became the only party to scale the 5% barrier but even it was stopped cold by the so called regional barrier (0.5% votes in every Kyrgyz region and in the cities of Bishkek and Osh). These three parties (Ata-Meken, Ar-Namys, Asaba) became the core of the new movement. Of all other organizations that joined the Movement For Justice, Interbilim is probably best known. It is headed by Asia Sasykbayeva of Ata-Meken.

Chaired by ex-foreign minister Alikbek Jekshunkulov, steering committee of the new movement comprises activists of all parties and organizations. The steering committee promises to work out strategy of future actions in the near future.

Movement For Justice is not the first attempt at unification against President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. Union of Democratic Forces was established in Kyrgyzstan right after the revolution in late 2005. Movement for the Reforms was founded in 2006, and the United Opposition Front in 2007.

Mass rallies the united opposition used to organize seemed to accomplish their mission at first, but nothing ever came out of it because too many opposition leaders defected to the president. Their loyalty was bought with positions of power in civil service. Others were neutralized by criminal charges pressed against them.

Analysts point out that Bakiyev solidified his position in the confrontation with the opposition. As things stand, he essentially controls all three branches of the government.