BISHKEK. May 19 (Interfax-AVN) - Kyrgyz opposition politician and former defense minister Ismail Isakov, who announced plans to run for presidency, has withdrawn his nomination in favor of the united opposition candidate.
"I have withdrawn my nomination in favor of the candidate from the United People's Movement," Isakov told journalists on Tuesday.
Leader of the country's Social Democratic Party Almazbek Atambayev has been elected as the united opposition candidate to stand for Kyrgyz presidential election.
Isakov was supposed to act as his double at the election.
"The withdrawal of my nomination will not weaken, but strengthen Atambayev's positions at the election," Isakov said.
"This will enable us to gather strength in one fist and win the election," Isakov said.
The Kyrgyz presidential election is due on July 23.