Moscow/Bishkek  - Kyrgyzstan's parliament on Friday set early presidential elections for July 23, timing that observers say hands the advantage to incumbent Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

Bakiyev, who came to power on the back of popular protest dubbed the Tulip revolution in 2005, announced last month he would seek a second term.

The former hero of the revolution was elected to a four-year term, but that was amended in the constitution to five. But with the declaration last month that new elections should take place in 2010, Bakiyev sparked public debate on the question.