Kyrgyz Republic Trusted and Accountable Politics Program (NDI)

OVERVIEW

Under this program, NDI improves parliamentary transparency and accountability with citizens and develops policies that meet the public good. NDI also helps women and youth participate in political processes.  

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

GOALS 

A parliament connected to citizens. NDI helps the parliament be more transparent and publicly accountable through technical assistance to factions and groups, committees and press service.

Underrepresented groups participate in the political process. NDI supports marginalized groups, including women and youth, to participate in politics through policy development process, gender-sensitive legislation training and citizen outreach activities.

Free, fair and competitive elections trusted by citizens. NDI promotes free, fair and trusted elections by training domestic election observers, supporting ‘Get-Out-The-Vote’ campaigns and facilitating candidate debates in coordination with the Central Election Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic.

KEY RESULTS 

• Public and Committee Hearings 

  NDI assists MPs in organizing public hearings, enabling parliamentarians to respond to citizen concerns and execute their constitutional oversight roles. So far, MPs have engaged with over 20,000 citizens in all seven regions addressing more than 40 policy issues prioritized by citizens.

• Sectoral Policy Consultations  

  NDI helps MPs to develop more citizen-centric policies by linking MPs with technical experts and civil society. Through over 80 consultations, experts contributed to draft bills, including on education reform, education loans, and management of apartment buildings. 

• Strengthening Civil Society Policy Engagement 

  NDI supports civic society in their advocacy and participation in policy development. With capacity building from NDI, young active citizens and local initiative groups in six regions resolved over 50 policy issues identified as important in their communities.  

• Forum of Women MPs

  NDI facilitates dialogue between the Forum and women activists, enabling the Forum to help strengthen legislation on issues like sexual harassment, early marriage and electoral quotas.

• Platforms for Policy Debates 

NDI supports the Parliamentary Press Service in live-streaming parliamentary fora, enabling citizens to engage with their MPs. In cooperation with local media, NDI promotes interactive platforms for MPs and citizens to directly discuss issues of public interest.

Project Duration: October 2022 - September 2027

Budget: $10 million (including IRI and IFES)

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

Key Partners: Parliament, MPs, the Forum of Women MPs, CSOs and the local media

Contact information: Mr. Dan Redford, NDI Resident Director, dredford@ndi.org