Kulov initially announced his intention to stand as a candidate for president in the elections scheduled for 10 July. It was unclear at first whether language would be a barrier to his election: the president is required by law to be fluent in the Kyrgyz language, and in common with many from the north of the country, Kulov's native tongue is Russian. The issue became moot, however, when he withdrew his candidacy in mid-May, pledging his support to Bakiyev. At that time he was also appointed Acting First Deputy Prime Minister. He was already expected to be appointed as prime minister by the elected president. Bakiyev won the election in July. He was sworn in on 11 August. He appointed Kulov acting prime minister. On 1 September 2005, Kulov was confirmed as prime minister by the Kyrgyz parliament, by a vote of 55 to 8.