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News & Updates
Feature
Kyrgyzstan's Democratic Experiment
On June 27, 2010 Kyrgyzstan adopted a new constitution via nationwide referendum. Introducing a new or revised governing charter was nothing new for the Central Asian republic—they have seen many since their independence in 1991. This new constitution, however, ushered in a new era for the country as it established a parliamentary system that would allow power to be decentralized and shared among different political parties.
News & Updates
Feature
Kyrgyzstan Votes to Adopt a New Constitution
On Sunday, 27 June 2010 Kyrgyzstan held a referendum to consider adopting a new constitution. The referendum, administered by a new (interim) Central Election Commission (CEC), was held just 80 days after the violent overthrow of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and just weeks after a violent ethnic clash between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in the south of the country. With a near 70% turnout, voters overwhelmingly approved changes to the constitution affecting the electoral system, the separation of powers, the judicial system, human rights, and local self-government. With the changes Kyrgyzstan is set to become Central Asia’s first parliamentary republic, though the serious work of implementation lay ahead.
Publication
Report/Paper
Understanding the Proposed Kyrgyz Parliament
On April 26, 2010, the Interim Government of Kyrgyzstan, which took control of the country following early April protests that drove former president Kurmanbek Bakiyev from office, unveiled a new draft constitution that will be finalized and officially presented on May 20. A referendum will take place in June 27 in which the population will be able to vote “yes” or “no” in favor of adopting this new charter.
May 15, 2010
Publication
Report/Paper
Islamic Movements and Democracy in Central Asia: Integration or Isolation?
This paper, presented at the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy’s 9th Annual Conference in Washington, DC, addresses the present state of Islamic political movements in the Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, with focus on state and non-state actors.
June 11, 2008
Publication
Report/Paper
Spending Limits as a Policy Option
Citizens in many countries are upset because they believe the current financing of politics (which involves corruption and under-the-table deals) is violating the basic democratic values of equal opportunity, transparency and accountability. One way to bring the funding of political parties and candidates into line with these values is to regulate campaign expenditures through spending limits. This is a viable option, but such limits must be designed and implemented with care.
June 29, 2007
Publication
Report/Paper
A Study of Political Party Assistance in Eastern Europe and Eurasia
Under a joint project of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. State Department (EUR/ACE), Democracy International (DI) conducted a comprehensive study of efforts to assist political party development in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
June 15, 2007
Election Material
Civic Education Material
50 Ans au Coeur de la Democratie
“50 Ans au Coeur de la Democratie” is a leaflet from 2007, available in French, which celebrates the fact that the Director General of Elections in Quebec has been at the heart of the electoral system in Quebec and has promoted democracy for 50 years. The document published by the Director General of Elections in Quebec publicizes what it has done to promote democracy, be at the service of voters, and regulate finance in elections taking place in Quebec.
News & Updates
Feature
Kyrgyzstan Protests
Thousands of protesters are taking to the streets of Kyrgyzstan's capital to call for the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiev. The president said in a televised address that he would not step down.
Publication
Survey
Assessments of the Political Situation in Kyrgyzstan 2005 - Key Findings
An increasing number of Kyrgyzstanis believe that they can change their country’s situation by voting, believe their country’s recent elections have been conducted fairly, and support new methods of ensuring electoral fairness. These include inking voters’ fingers, using transparent ballot boxes and the presence of domestic and international observers. A majority also say some of the seats in parliament should be reserved for women and think changes to the constitution should be approved of by a popular referendum.
December 30, 2005
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Making Every Vote Count
“Making Every Vote Count” is the final report by the Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform which outlines the case for electoral reform in British Columbia, Canada. The document, published in 2004, makes the recommendation for a new voting system, called BC-STV, to be used in electing member of the Legislative Assembly. The report gives its reasons for the recommendation and explains the new voting system.