Despite recent violence and significant challenges ahead, Kyrgyzstan has made progress on democratic reforms, NDI Vice Chair and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle concluded following a recent trip to that country.

Daschle traveled to Kyrgyzstan on behalf of NDI Aug. 17-19 to assess the country's democratic reform efforts, provide encouragement for further reform, and promote broad political participation to aid reconciliation in the wake of that country's June violence. Daschle met with a broad range of political, governmental and civil society leaders, foreign diplomats, media representatives and international organizations.

Following last April's ouster of President Kurmanbek Bakiev, Kyrgyzstan is at a crossroads between authoritarian rule and acceptance of democracy as the path forward. Citizens' hopes for a smooth transition to democracy were tested in mid-June with the sudden outbreak of ethnic violence in the south, when hundreds were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced. Despite these events, nearly two million voters (72 percent) went to the polls on June 27 to overwhelmingly approve a new constitution that significantly limits presidential power in relation to the parliament. Following the referendum, preparations began for Oct. 10 parliamentary elections.

At a press conference on the final day of his visit, Daschle noted several positive steps toward democratic consolidation that Kyrgyzstan has taken in the last four months that will, in his view, "help prevent another backsliding away from democracy." These included:

• The strong voter turnout on June 27;
• A positive assessment of the referendum from international and domestic election observation groups;
• A new constitution that provides for a system of strong checks and balances;
• Parliamentary elections in October that are expected to be competitive;
• The signing of a code of conduct by more than 25 political parties outlining principles for respectful, tolerant and civil behavior during the parliamentary elections campaign period; and
• The interim government setting the stage for a peaceful transition through the October elections.

In meetings with interim government officials, political party leaders, and at the press conference, Daschle also pointed out the significant challenges ahead and offered several recommendations to Kyrgyzstan's leaders to aid democratic reform. These included:

• Access for all eligible citizens to participate in the parliamentary elections;
• Bold and sweeping measures to reduce corruption;
• Responsible behavior by political parties, such as avoiding divisive rhetoric that could incite renewed violence;
• Swift, effective and visible efforts to promote reconstruction and rehabilitation in the south;
• A comprehensive, objective international investigation into the events in the south;
• Merit-based and transparent government appointments before and after the parliamentary elections to earn the trust and confidence of citizens; and
• Initial steps toward promoting a more independent and effective judiciary.

During his visit, Daschle also called for greater international support for the people of Kyrgyzstan as they struggle to lay the foundation for democracy.

Related:

• Coalition concludes Kyrgyzstan constitutional referendum reflected the will of voters»
• Preliminary statement of the Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society's findings of the long-term and short-term observation of Kyrgyzstan's June 27, 2010 national referendum»
• Thomas A. Daschle»

Pictured above: Daschle discusses recent developments and challenges with civic leaders in Kyrgyzstan.

Published August 30, 2010