KYRGYZSTAN, Kyzyl-Birlik : A Kyrgyz couple cast their votes in the village of Kyzyl-Birlik, some 20 kilometres from Bishkek, on October 10, 2010.

AFP PHOTO / VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO

Responding to ongoing and emerging sources of instability and tension in communities while enhancing inclusive and transparent governance that responds to citizens’ priorities.

Program Description

In May 2010, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) launched a program in the Kyrgyz Republic in response to the country's political crises. Popular demonstrations in April led to the ouster of former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. Given this window of opportunity, the U.S. Government was able to further demonstrate its support of democracy in Central Asia by supporting efforts aimed at establishing transparent, accountable, and effective governance at both national and local levels. The violence and mass displacements stemming from the June 2010 events in the southern part of the country highlighted the need for immediate and targeted assistance to address emerging sources of instability and conflict within communities that have the potential to derail the ongoing democratic transition. The constitutional referendum, followed by parliamentary, presidential, and local elections, represent critical milestones to establishing a more stable and secure democracy. During this critical period of transition, the USAID/OTI program in the Kyrgyz Republic is supporting the country's efforts by encouraging democratic processes and helping to build trust both within communities, and between citizens and government.

Program Objectives

USAID/OTI is supporting the Kyrgyz Republic's efforts to establish a more stable, secure democracy, while laying the groundwork for continued long-term development. The program provides small grants to civil society, government, and private sector partners to implement high-impact, short-term projects in volatile communities. The USAID/OTI model is designed to be fast, flexible, and responsive to a dynamic environment. It allows partners to implement pilot initiatives and catalytic projects that build momentum for continued long-term development. The program provides targeted assistance in volatile communities in order to:

• Support the ongoing democratic political transition at the national and local level, and
• Address emerging sources of instability and drivers of conflict at the community level.

Program Activities

• Increase access to reliable and objective information to reduce the impact of rumors and inform citizen decision-making
• Expand opportunities for youth and other vulnerable populations to engage in constructive and productive activities at critical times
• Improve the responsiveness and accountability of government through inclusive decision-making and citizen engagement
• Promote interaction that encourages diversity and pluralism in formal and informal institutions
• Strengthen the capacity of civil society—especially women and youth—to assess, prevent, mediate, and mitigate conflict
• Stimulate economic recovery and expand opportunities in marginalized and volatile communities

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