Kyrgyz Republic Political Process Program (NDI)

A resident of Kyzyl Kia asked MPs to help resolve shortage of drinking water in the city during one of the public hearings organized by NDI with USAID's support
A resident of Kyzyl Kia asked MPs to help resolve shortage of drinking water in the city during one of the public hearings organized by NDI with USAID's support
NDI / USAID/Kyrgyz Republic

Duration: October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2021

Implementing Partner: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)

Total budget (for Consortium): $10,000,000

ActivityLocations: Nationwide

Key partners: Parliament, Parliamentary Factions, Members of Parliament, Media Outlets

Under this program, CEPPS/NDI assists parliamentary factions and members of parliament with improving communication and outreach, incorporating citizen input, and developing issue-based platforms. This work is complemented by support for broader citizen participation in political processes through initiatives to help youth and women influence the country’s policy discussions.

The program is implemented by all three members of the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS): The International Republican Institute (IRI), The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI).

MAJOR FOCUS AREAS

Connecting Parliament and citizens

CEPPS/NDI works with all the parliamentary factions in the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament, to increase the transparency, accountability and constituent outreach of the legislature. By improving communications and conducting public outreach events with citizens and civil society, MPs, factions and parties will be better equipped to respond to the broad needs of citizens through policy and legislative action.

CEPPS/NDI also supports production of TV and online debates and discussions to enhance dialogue between Parliamentarians and citizens on issues of national importance.

Underrepresented groups more fully participate in the political process

NDI works with the Forum of Women MPs—an informal caucus of women MPs—to further establishes itself as a credible and respected voice within Kyrgyzstani politics. NDI provides trainings to Forum members on outreach, policy development, and media outreach. NDI also supports the Forum in addressing their strategic priorities of increasing political participation of women at all decision-making levels, developing public dialogue to promote gender sensitivity in social, economic and political spheres, and improving leadership skills of women MPs.

CEPPS/NDI also seeks to encourage more young people to engage in the political process. Online platforms are particularly popular among youth. Through online platforms and CEPPS/NDI-sponsored TV debate and discussion programs, youth will be able to ask questions of their representatives and MPs or candidates will discuss their positions on issues important to the country’s young people.  CEPPS/NDI will work with young citizens to produce nonpartisan nationwide get-out- the-vote (GOTV) campaigns ahead of the anticipated 2017 presidential and 2020 parliamentary elections.

EXPECTED IMPACT AND RESULTS 

  1. Parliamentary factions develop and publish concrete platforms based on citizen input. NDI offers assistance to each faction to conduct citizen outreach, and develop End-of-session reports that detail their work in parliament based on input received throughout the country.
  2. Parliamentary factions and elected officials develop and propose policy solutions that are based on credible research and expert opinion. NDI assists parliamentary factions in holding sect oral consultations to inform policy and legislative proposals.
  3. Political actors leverage media to communicate platforms and policy ideas to citizens. Through NDI supported media programs, MPs and elected candidates will communicate their platforms and achievements, helping citizens to understand how parties are representing their interests in parliament and election campaigns. 
  4. Underrepresented groups more fully participate in the political process. NDI support for women MPs and youth will provide them the opportunity and skills to more fully participate in the electoral and political process in Kyrgyzstan.
  5. Citizens improve understanding of party platforms and enhance ability to influence government. To deepen women’s political participation and increase the gender responsiveness of political parties, CEPPS/NDI will support a local organization to consult with a diverse group of women and prepare a comprehensive policy agenda of issues those women voters identify as priorities ahead of the anticipated 2020 parliamentary elections.