The draft model provision on conducting joint monitoring and evaluation of the activities of local self-government bodies is brought up for discussion

The State Agency for Civil Service and Local Self-Government under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic (SACSLSG) held a discussion on the practice of applying the draft model provision on conducting joint monitoring and assessment of the activities of local government bodies in addressing regional issues involving citizens and their associations1. The event was held with the support of the USAID project “Successful Aimak 2”, implemented by the Development Policy Institute.

The discussion was attended by representatives of SACSLSG, public organizations’ experts in the field of monitoring and evaluation (M&E), the Development Policy Institute, as well as representatives of joint M&E groups.

During the event, suggestions and proposals on amendments and addendums of the draft model provision were discussed.

Earlier, in August 2023, this document was discussed with members of the joint monitoring and assessment groups of the pilot aiyl aimaks of the Project.

Then, participants shared the results of their work and made suggestions for improving the work of joint monitoring and evaluation groups.

According to Aizhamal Tabyldy kyzy, executive secretary of the At-Bashi aiyl aimak of the Naryn region, the transparency of the aiyl okmotu increased due to the inclusion of active village residents in the group.

- We managed to increase the level of control over the work of the aiyl okmotu. Local authorities, in many cases, provide information superficially.

Participants of the Monitoring and Evaluation Groups become more immersed in studying the issue and provide unbiased information. For example, during the acceptance procedure of a construction project, aiyl okmotu is guided by the requirements of the estimate. Members of joint monitoring and evaluation groups pay attention to the building material's quality and check if the price matches the quality.

In At-Bashi aiyl aimak, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Group began working 2 years ago. In a short time, the members of the Group earned significant authority in the village.

- Our main achievement is that the aiyl okmotu is now taking into account the opinion of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Group. When accepting any object or government procurement, it is mandatory to request a Certificate prepared by the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Group. I hope that the rights and powers of the group will be expanded and its activities will spread to other villages. Because the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Groups are the eyes and ears of the rural community,” said Aizhamal Tabyldy kyzy.

Joint monitoring and evaluation groups were organized in 38 pilot Kyrgyzstan’s ayil aimaks within the framework of the USAID project “Successful Aimak 2”, implemented by the Development Policy Institute. The group includes not only representatives of local authorities but also village residents, of which 25% are representatives of the ayil okmotu, another 25% are deputies of the local kenesh, as well as active village residents and their associations make up 50%. The main goal of the Joint Monitoring Groups is to introduce transparency and accountability in the work of local authorities by enhancing civilian oversight.

- A lot has changed in our village in 2 years. We monitored the quality of building maintenance, catering, and the progress of construction... We can say that the Monitoring Group established an environment for speaking openly about problems in the village. I would suggest considering the option of providing remuneration to the members of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Groups. This will motivate them to achieve greater results,” said Gulzhamal Nurbaeva, an executive secretary of the Semenovsky aiyl aimak at the Issyk-Kul region.

At the working meeting, the participants shared their suggestions for improving the work of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Groups, which will be considered and introduced for further elaboration of the draft model provision, as well as eventually sent to the SACSLSG.

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[1] The document was approved by order of the State Agency for Local Self-Government and Interethnic Relations under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated September 5, 2019 No. 01-18/84