Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister becomes acting president

Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister became the acting head of state Friday in the wake of the president’s resignation among turbulence sparked by a disputed parliamentary election.

Supporters of newly appointed Prime Minister Sadyr Zhaparov gathered in the capital, Bishkek, and warned to storm government buildings, forcing President Sooronbai Jeenbekov to step down Thursday. Under the constitution, the speaker of parliament would be next in line, but he declined to serve as a caretaker leader under protesters’ pressure, allowing Zhaparov to claim the top office.