Kyrgyzstan held a snap parliamentary election on Sunday as authorities continued arresting opposition figures and shutting down independent media, actions that critics say have strengthened President Sadyr Zhaparov’s control over the country.

Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. and closed 12 hours later, though some stations abroad will remain open until Monday. Local media said final results are expected within two weeks. The vote was moved up by a year after officials argued it would otherwise fall too close to the 2027 presidential election.

The election is being held under a revised system in which 30 constituencies each elect three lawmakers. The Central Election Commission said 467 candidates are competing for 90 seats in the Jogorku Kenesh. A gender quota requires at least one female lawmaker from each district.

Analysts say candidates loyal to Zhaparov are likely to dominate, helped by Kyrgyzstan’s fast growing economy and its role in helping Russia bypass sanctions. Kyrgyzstan remains closely aligned with Moscow and hosts a Russian air base.

In the week before the vote, authorities detained at least 10 opposition figures and carried out searches and interrogations. Officials accuse them of calling for mass unrest. Zhaparov, who took power after unrest toppled the previous government in 2020, said in a preelection address that there would be no more coups.

Some of those targeted are allies of former President Almazbek Atambayev, who now lives in Spain. His son was detained and his wife was summoned for questioning.

Independent media outlets have also been under heavy pressure. In late October, a court declared Kloop, Temirov Live and AitAit Dese extremist organizations, blocking their websites and banning activity connected to their leadership. The ruling followed a new media law that requires all outlets to register with the authorities. Human Rights Watch said the government has intimidated journalists and restricted access to information.

Despite U.S. concerns about human rights in Kyrgyzstan, President Donald Trump hosted leaders of five Central Asian states, including Zhaparov, at the White House in November to discuss access to the region’s mineral resources.

Kyrgyzstan’s economy has grown for four straight years. Official figures show GDP increased 10 percent from January to September, a trend that analysts say has helped the government avoid public unrest.

Experts view Sunday’s parliamentary vote as a rehearsal for the January 2027 presidential election. They say full control of parliament would give Zhaparov a strong advantage as he prepares for his next campaign.