Strengthening Democratic Practices in the Election Processes in Kyrgyzstan

Project completed

Elections are one of the critical elements of the democratization agenda in Kyrgyzstan. The proposed project will support democratic practices in the upcoming elections 2015-2017 (parliamentarian, municipal and presidential elections) as elections represent a major means to increase citizens’ participation in political life and of voicing their concerns regarding the achievement of the objectives of poverty alleviation and human development.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Kyrgyzstan
Governance
Elections
10.02.2015 - 30.04.2018
CHF  2’600’000
Background

The parliamentarian democracy of Kyrgyzstan is the first and the only parliamentarian democracy in Central Asia. Inspired by the success story of Mongolia, the government has taken the decision to modernize the electoral system and to use New Voting Technologies (biometric voters’ registration, electronic voters’ identification, electronic voting, and results management). National authorities and civil society join their forces to strengthen democratic practices in elections.

Supporting democracy in Kyrgyzstan is a crucial endeavor for Switzerland. During his recent visit to Kyrgyzstan, President Didier Burkhalter was asked to support elections in Kyrgyzstan to which request our President publicly announced Switzerland’s intention to give technical and financial support.

Objectives

The project goal is contribute to the efforts of the Kyrgyz authorities to strengthen democratic practices in the election processes.

Fair and transparent elections will foster peace and stability and they contribute to increase citizens’ trust into authorities. The authorities have defined stability as main prerequisites in order to insure sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan.

The project will support introduction of the New Voting Technologies, (contribution o procurement of equipment and training of operators), setting up a dispute resolution system and civic education.

Target groups

At the level of authorities: Central Election Commission, Judiciary and dispute resolution mechanisms, law enforcement bodies, and political leaders

At society level: NGOs, local observers, individual citizens and voters.

Medium-term outcomes

Democratic elections take roots in the political system and culture of Kyrgyzstan.

Results

Expected results:  

  • Accuracy and transparency of voting results are ensured by the Central Election Commission
  • The Election Dispute Resolution system is functional with involvement of political parties, judges and national police
  • Citizens’ engagement and participation in democratic election processes is increased thanks to activities carried out by local NGOs


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
Other International Organization
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • Other OI
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • KOICA; Central Election Commission; NGOs.


Other partners

Central Election Commission: Project agreement; KOICA: Delegated Cooperation Agreement; UNDP: Cost Sharing Agreement; NGOs: mandate agreements.

Coordination with other projects and actors

Kyrgyz Elections Support Project Phase II, UNDP; OSCE

SECO financed urban water supply projects, SDC financed Voice and Accountability project

Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    2’600’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    2’468’540
Project phases

Phase 1 10.02.2015 - 30.04.2018   (Completed)