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

2010 - 2013

WHY USAID/OTI WAS IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

In May 2010, USAID/OTI launched a program in the Kyrgyz Republic in response to the country's political crises. Popular demonstrations in April 2010 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.

USAID/OTI'S ROLE IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

During this critical period of transition, USAID/OTI supported the country's efforts by encouraging democratic processes and helping to build trust both within communities and between citizens and government. The program provided targeted assistance in volatile communities 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 HIGHLIGHTS

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