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The former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan's parliament last night appointed an interim leader after President Askar Akayev was toppled in a popular rebellion. In an move which has been compared to the change of leadership in Ukraine, Kyrgyz opposition MP Ishinbai Kadyrbekov was named acting president, hours after demonstrators overran the government headquarters in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.

The White House said it was keen to see events in Kyrgyzstan move towards a democratic process, while the Kremlin accused the Kyrgyz opposition of causing chaos. The Kyrgyz government finally collapsed following weeks of demonstrations against parliamentary elections in February, which the opposition said were rigged.

Kyrgyzstan is of strategic importance to Russia and the United States, both of which have military bases in the country. Activists also seized control of several regional government buildings in key towns in the south of the country.

Opposition leaders said they were attempting to establish a smooth, stable transition after a day of passionate demonstrations that led to the toppling of the Akayev government. A source told CNN: "In practice, the Akayev government is no longer in charge. Opposition leaders realize they need to put together a regular, working government for the Kyrgyz people."

Last night there were reports that Akayev, his family and his advisers had left the country. A diplomatic source acknowledged that protesters had seized the government building and forced the government to resign. He said opposition leaders were now working on appointing an interim government.

News agencies were reporting that Kyrgyzstan's outgoing parliament had chosen an interim president — former opposition lawmaker Ishenbai Kadyrbekov. One report said a national unity coordinating council — composed of leading opposition figures — would serve as a temporary government. Opposition leaders went on TV to urge people to stop looting as protesters stormed the parliament building.

One key development was the release from jail of opposition leader Felix Kulov who went on national TV to call for calm and national unity.

• After days of protest Kyrgyz opposition sieze power