Duration: 2016 – 2021

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

Total budget (for Consortium): $10 million

ActivityLocations: Nationwide

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

Under this program, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) assists parliament members and factions with improving communication and outreach and developing issue-based platforms. NDI also supports broader 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): International Republican Institute (IRI), International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI).

MAJOR FOCUS AREAS

CONNECTING PARLIAMENT AND CITIZENS

NDI works with all the Parliamentary factions and press service to increase the transparency, accountability and constituent outreach of the legislature. Communications and meetings with citizens and civil society help the Parliament better respond to the needs of citizens. NDI supports production of debates and discussions in media to enhance dialogue between MPs and citizens on critical issues.

UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS MORE FULLY PARTICIPATE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS

NDI works to strengthen the Forum of Women MPs, an informal caucus of women MPs, by training its members on strategic planning, outreach, policy development and media relations. NDI supports the Forum in addressing their priorities of increasing political participation of women, promoting gender sensitivity and improving leadership skills of women MPs.

Under the program, NDI also encourages youth to engage in the political process through online platforms, discussion on various media outlets and get-out-to-vote campaigns ahead of elections.

IMPACT AND RESULTS 

TV Debates

NDI supported organization of debates between presidential candidates at the Kyrgyz National TV and Radio Broadcasting Corporation (KTRK). This work included building a new studio, training of moderators by international experts and consultations on the format and questions for the debate. NDI and KTRK also completed production of a series of special episodes of their popular Oi Ordo talk show with a focus on parties’ policy positions and records on various issues. Members of all six Parliamentary factions and faction leaders travelled to regions of Kyrgyzstan to participate in live TV shows to answer questions of local citizens and report on the progress their factions have made on their 2015 election campaign promises.

Parliamentary Press Service

NDI provided various training courses for the press service staff and facilitated improvements to the Parliament’s website in order to cover the activities of MPs in more detail and provide an opportunity for direct communication with them. Besides, new programs on the Parliamentary Radio and new television projects were launched. NDI assisted the Press Service launch a new show called “Lessons of Parliamentarism”. The show features MPs talk about their work, meet with constituents and take questions from viewers. The program is broadcasted live on Parliament’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Public and Committee Hearings 

With NDI assistance, parliamentarians interact with voters and participate in field hearings all over the country. During these meetings citizens raise issues that contribute to amending or creating policies in the Parliament. In 2019, MPs participated in 26 outreach events, reached over 3700 citizens, which resulted in in 16 follow-up actions based on the public priorities expressed during these meetings.   

Sectoral Consultations 

NDI funded experts to help MPs develop a bill on Wastewater Treatment facilities control in Issyk-Kul lake biosphere and protect the lake’s environment. The bill has passed through 5 Parliamentary Committee hearings and 1st reading on Jogorku Kenesh’s plenary session. The new policy is focused on strengthening control of hotels located in the region and sewerage system renewal. 

End-of-session Reports 

NDI continues its efforts to support the development and release of the End of Session Reports for 6 Parliamentary factions. Reports include major milestones and faction’s achievements as well as statistical information on Parliamentarians’ activity. Over 12 000 copies of booklets were distributed in the regional headquarters of parties, while also being used during the outreach work of MPs. In 2019, 3 factions with NDI’s support, produced video reports where faction leaders discussed their major achievements throughout the last Parliamentary session. Reports were posted on social media platforms.

Women MPs Forum

With the help of NDI, the Forum of women MPs conducted 6 meetings in 5 regions, reaching approximately 1,200 local citizens. The meetings allowed MPs to hear directly from citizens and monitor the implementation of laws on domestic violence and early marriages. These outreach activities helped to build a dialogue with local municipalities and communities and reveal gaps in the effectiveness of adopted bills. Citizens had the opportunity to raise their concerns, which were reflected in Parliament. 

Forum MPs also worked to raise awareness about harassment in Kyrgyzstan through a series of social media video clips and intend to develop legislation to protect society from becoming victims of harassment. As part of its ongoing research, a group of MPs travelled to Georgia to learn about the practice of developing and promoting anti-harassment legislation.

Youth Community organizing

NDI launched a community organizing project in Osh and Jalal-Abad oblasts, where 7 organizers were recruited to increase citizen involvement in grassroots organizing practices and bring community-led changes to their areas. Youth activists, armed with advocacy and campaign planning tools, were able to address various issues, such as the installation of electricity poles, garbage bins, road signs, etc. They managed to mobilize the residents in their communities and build a constructive dialogue with local authorities.