The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

NDI has worked in Kyrgyzstan since 1996, carrying out programs to foster the development of democratic institutions, including the parliament, civil society, media, and political parties.

Political Party Development

The Institute engages political parties across the spectrum, sharing international experience and best practices on ways to more effectively identify and address the concerns of their constituents. NDI works with party leaders and activists at the national and local levels, with a particular focus on improving outreach to citizens and promoting the political participation of youth and women.

• In Kyrgyzstan, women poised to take leadership roles in political parties»

Elections

NDI has collaborated with a variety of nonpartisan international and domestic election monitoring groups, including the Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society and Taza Shailoo (Clean Elections), to observe every major election and referendum in Kyrgyzstan since 1998, giving citizens opportunities for meaningful participation in election sand providing a foundation for improvements in election procedures in the future.

• The coalition's findings on the tabulation process using statistically-based observation»
• ENEMO's preliminary statement on the 2010 parliamentary elections in the Kyrgyz Republic»
• The coalition's preliminary statement on the results of the short-term observation of the elections to Jogorku Kenesh»
• Coalition concludes Kyrgyzstan constitutional referendum reflected the will of voters»
• NDI partners release preliminary statements after Kyrgyzstan presidential elections»

Civil Society Development

The Institute’s programs to strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s civil society have helped increase citizen participation in the policy process. Through its small grant and technical assistance programs, NDI has worked with civic groups to improve their advocacy skills, promote active civic participation, and strengthen their organizational capacity.

• NDI Vice Chair Daschle offers encouragement and recommendations on Kyrgyzstan's democratic reforms»

Citizen Engagement

NDI’s network of Information Centers, located in all seven of Kyrgyzstan’s oblasts, provide citizens in remote areas with access to diverse and independent information resources, knowledge about how their government functions, voter education, community discussions, and training to encourage citizen engagement in solving local problems. They provide a venue where citizens can take responsibility for solving problems in their own communities and serve as an avenue for increasing citizen participation in politics.

Media Programs

The Institute has supported the regular broadcast of political debate television programs on several Kyrgyz television stations since 1999. These programs have helped increase public awareness of key national issues such as constitutional reform, women’s rights, and economic reforms.

Contact Information

For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:

Washington, D.C.
Laura Jewett, Regional Director

  Subscribe to updates about Kyrgyzstan