IRI Helps Political Parties Prepare for Parliamentary Elections

January 7, 2005

In the Kyrgyz Republic, a country that gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and lies on China’s western border above Tajikistan and Afghanistan, IRI staff works to help Kyrgyzstani citizens continue on a path toward a stable democracy.

Currently, IRI staff is helping political parties prepare for parliamentary elections scheduled for Feb. 27, 2005. This past December, IRI conducted a series of trainings in Bishkek, Osh, Uzgen and Jalalabad attended by more than 170 candidates and their campaign staffs. The first part of the three-part training was designed to help parties develop campaign strategies, set up campaign offices and develop campaign literature in anticipation of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Part two, will focus on public speaking. Part three, will train party activists in cities across the country to serve as poll workers, election commission members, and election observers. These trainings will be held in January, prior to the start of the official campaign season on Feb. 1.

During the training in Osh, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Steven Young participated in a roundtable discussion with the Kyrgyzstani participants.

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