Kyrgyz Republic Trusted and Accountable Politics Program (IFES)

OVERVIEW

Under this program, IFES aims to increase electoral integrity and accountability by strengthening electoral processes and institutions and promoting inclusive civic engagement and leadership, including among young people, persons with disabilities and women.  

IFES implements the Kyrgyz Republic Trusted and Accountable Politics Program together with the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI). The program builds on the achievements of the USAID-funded Kyrgyz Republic Political Process Program (2016-2022). 

GOALS 

Electoral framework improved. IFES works closely with the Central Election Commission (CEC), MPs, the presidential administration and civil society to improve electoral legislation and internal procedures in line with international standards. 

Mechanisms for combating electoral fraud improved. IFES supports strengthening existing and new mechanisms to reduce vote buying and administrative resource abuse in coordination with civil society and governmental institutions.

Underrepresented populations participate in civic and political processes. IFES supports marginalized groups, including women, youth and persons with disabilities, in ensuring greater accessibility and enfranchisement in civic and political processes.

Citizens better understand electoral, civic, and political processes. IFES fosters increased understanding and knowledge of elections to spur advocacy and more meaningful civic participation.

KEY RESULTS 

• Electoral reform 

  Since 1994, IFES has worked with electoral authorities and stakeholders to develop and strengthen democratic institutions and electoral processes. Previous support improved electoral legislation on topics such as Election Day operations, voter registration, and out-of-country voting. Building off reform efforts that began in 2022, IFES continues its work with the CEC to adopt international best practices for improving the electoral system. 

• CEC capacity building

  Since Kyrgyz independence, IFES has supported the CEC in conducting 10 national elections. This included support to build CEC organizational management and strategic planning, and develop the capacity to train election management bodies at all levels. To provide legal education of citizens, IFES supported the CEC to establish the Center for Civic and Digital Education and developed the Center’s operations strategy. 

• Civic Education in Kyrgyz Universities

  IFES established a university-level civic education course, which covers topics such as human rights, gender equality, electoral systems, money in politics, inclusivity of persons with disabilities, the role of youth, globalization, rule of law, and public corruption. The course is being taught in seven universities.

• Inclusive Civic Engagement and Leadership

  IFES works towards promoting inclusive and constructive civic participation through awareness-raising activities for participants of youth action projects through its Youth Network with more than 3,200 alumni. Since 2000, IFES has conducted over 50 Democracy Camps across Kyrgyzstan.

Project Duration: 2022-2027

Budget: $10 million (including IRI and NDI)

Implementing Partner: International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

Key Partners: Central Election Commission; Civil Society Organizations

Contact information: Ms. Ketevan Maisuradze, IFES Country Director, kmaisuradze@ifes.org