Post-Soviet Nations: After Two Decades, Disarray and Democracy as Youth Demand Change

December 21, 2011

One could argue that the reforms of the past 20 years in the post-Soviet space have led to the rise of a decisive, new, politically conscious generation of young leaders. I argue such a new generation has arisen in spite of reforms and, in some cases, as a reaction against them.

Youth and Elections, Governance

Kyrgyzstan’s Ground-Breaking Presidential Election

November 21, 2011

In a many ways, the Kyrgyz Republic's October 30 presidential election tested the country’s ability to transfer presidential power peacefully as well as its parliamentary system of government.

Elections, Voter Registration

Kyrgyzstan: Electing a New President

October 31, 2011

On 30 October, Kyrgyzstan held an election to choose a successor to interim President Rosa Otunbayeva.  IFES Program Manager Anthony Bowyer, along with other IFES staff members, visited polling stations throughout the day.

Elections, Electoral Systems

Kyrgyzstan's Upcoming Election

September 30, 2011

Anthony Bowyer, IFES Program Manager for the Caucasus and Central Asia, tells us why all eyes are once again on Kyrgyzstan as it heads toward general elections on October 30.

Elections

Latest Releases from IFES

September 29, 2011

This month, IFES released a number of publications on elections and democracy around the world.

Election Law, Legal Framework

Kyrgyzstan’s Upcoming Elections: Litmus Test for Democracy

September 29, 2011

Kyrgyzstan, a country whose post-Soviet transition labeled it the “Island of Democracy” in Central Asia, has seen that distinction erode in recent years amidst two revolutions. The country will hold a presidential election under its newly minted election law on 30 October.

Elections, Constitutional Law

The Good, The Bad and The Uncertain: Commentary on Kyrgyzstan Election Laws of 2011

September 19, 2011

On October 30, 2011, Kyrgyzstan will hold its first presidential election since the momentous constitutional referendum in June 2010 that established the first parliamentary system in Central Asia.

Election Law, Elections

Recognizing the Power of Youth on International Youth Day

August 12, 2011

Established by the United Nations in 1999, International Youth Day brings awareness to the needs of young people and the efforts that need to be made to aid their development. Through our various programs, IFES has seen first-hand that with a little assistance, youth can be a powerful force in improving their societies.

Youth and Elections

U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Visits IFES’ Democracy Camps

August 02, 2011

United States Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Pamela Spratlen visited IFES’ Democracy Camps on Tuesday, 26 July.

Youth and Elections, Civic Education

Kyrgyzstan: The Dawn of a Democratic Era?

November 23, 2010

On June 27, 2010 Kyrgyzstan adopted a new constitution via nationwide referendum. Introducing a new or revised governing charter has been nothing new for the Central Asian republic—it has seen several since its independence in 1991. This new constitution, however, appears to be ushering in a new era for the country, as it provides for a first-ever parliamentary system that would allow power to be decentralized and shared among different political parties.

Political Parties, Constitutional Law, Elections, Rule of Law