The media repeated government slogans and persuaded the public that no other candidate could enact successful reforms, establish peaceful multi-ethnic cooperation, and foster the building of democracy except President Akaev. Students were forced to miss classes to attend pre-election rallies and speeches by Askar Akaev himself. He also promised a student stipend increase in the year 2001. Candidate Almazbek Atambaev's posters were declared illegal since he had them printed before he was officially registered as a candidate and his posters also remain on windows only covered with black paint. Now that the elections are over, Askar Akaev begins his third five-year term.
Opposition parties are confused and disappointed.
The Kyrgyz people however feel that Kyrgyzstan at least cannot get any worse since they elected a president who is predictable and is known for his democratic reforms, however undemocratic the elections turned out to be. This is perhaps President Akaev's last opportunity to rectify this desperate situation.