The right of every citizen to participate in local self-government, resolution of local issues, and management of the local budget is enshrined in the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. This is the basis of democracy. Each of us has the right to influence the quality of life in our community by participating in local decision-making. Accordingly, the local self-government bodies of each aiyl aimak or city are required to disclose information that falls under their purview, thereby facilitating citizen participation in local self-government.
In Kyrgyzstan's history, the city of Naryn was the first municipality to hold public hearings on a city budget project. These hearings took place in 1999. Since then, it has almost become a tradition and an excellent tool for Naryn's local self-government bodies in conducting a dialogue with citizens, during which they not only receive proposals for the local budget but also learn the general mood of their residents.
However, for a variety of reasons, information on the work of the LSG bodies, represented by the Mayor's Office and City Kenesh, ceased to be open, accessible, and transparent over time. It simply did not reach the townspeople, fueling their suspicions and dissatisfaction, which occasionally resulted in conflict and covert aggression. And ongoing elections for City Kenesh or a new mayor could sometimes become an excuse to incite widespread discontent among citizens.
"It appeared to our residents that the local authorities made all decisions behind closed doors and only in their best interest, disregarding the interests of the local community. We knew we needed to do something to improve the mood of our residents, but we didn't know what tool to use." Kazybek KULUEV, Naryn City Kenesh specialist.
Local self-government bodies planned and carried out a number of public events to provide access to budget information; accounts on social media were created; and news and events from the city's life were published. But none of this was enough.
Naryn became one of 25 partner municipalities in Kyrgyzstan where the European Union project "Living in Harmony"[1] was launched in 2021. The project was implemented by the international organization International Alert in partnership with the Development Policy Institute and the National Mediation Center. Within the framework of the project, the LSG bodies were to collaborate with representatives of local civil society organizations, with the goal of preventing social conflicts, introducing mediation skills, and maintaining law and order.
"The project held specialized trainings for representatives of the LSG bodies, which provided us with new knowledge. We decided to hold City Kenesh sessions online. It was necessary to acknowledge that going around explaining what City Kenesh does, the functions of the Mayor's Office staff, what is included in the list of issues of local importance, which issues we are competent to solve and which we are not, and many other things was unrealistic. We simply decided to hold open sessions on the Facebook social network so that everyone could watch, listen, ask questions, or make proposals." Avtandil MOLDOSALIEV, Chairman of the Naryn City Kenesh.
The European Union's "Living in Harmony" project provided technical assistance by allocating grant funds for the purchase of office equipment and for conducting the online sessions of City Kenesh, working meetings, and Mayor's Office discussions.
On April 1, 2022, the Naryn City Kenesh held a regular session of the city kenesh, which was broadcast live on Facebook[2]. It surprised many social network users, because not every LSG body is willing to hold such meetings openly.
People connected, watched, and shared this news with one another, expressing their support and appreciation for such an opportunity; they recognized that "it turns out that the deputies really work to solve the issues of the aiyl aimak. Citizens also learned about the size of the local budget, the sources of income, and where the funds are spent.
"On the first day, approximately 500 people watched our session, leaving suggestions and requests to resolve various issues in the city. We gathered and thoroughly studied all of these issues, and we transferred those that were not within our purview to the appropriate departments and bodies. I should mention that we did not anticipate such a result. And the difference between BEFORE and AFTER the project is now visible to the naked eye. With the aid of the Living in Harmony project, we are genuinely establishing an information exchange between the Mayor's Office, City Kenesh, and our residents. We have shown them our openness and readiness for dialogue by giving them a platform for statements and comments. We can hear the voice of our residents." Kazybek KULUEV, Naryn City Kenesh specialist.
The LSG authorities also recognized that such a communication strategy with the local population is very effective during a pandemic or force majeure, recalling the isolation at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. City Kenesh deputies have made changes to their regulations so that all actions and resources for such cases are now clearly outlined.
"It is necessary to hold every session of the City Kenesh, meetings, and panels of the Mayor's Office in such an open mode. It will help us all make the right decisions together. I just want to wish them success in their endeavors!" Kudaibergen RYSBEKOV, Facebook user.
Because of the new conditions, employees of the LSG bodies can now participate in panels or meetings online if they are unable to attend a meeting or discussion in person. In such cases, they simply connect and express their ideas and suggestions.
"This is an excellent opportunity not only for City Kenesh or the Mayor's Office to disclose information about their work or the local budget, but also for us, ordinary citizens, young mothers who stay at home with children, and people with disabilities who are unable to leave home. We can now "participate" in online sessions or panels where important issues affecting our city and its residents are resolved, make suggestions, or ask questions. Additionally, it allowed journalists like me to obtain first-hand information without needless red tape." Shirin JOLDOSHBEK KYZY, a correspondent journalist in Naryn and young mother.
The local self-government bodies of Naryn are determined to continue their work in this direction, hoping to make this format of citizen participation in local self-government a traditional one and to achieve its widespread adoption.
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[1] The Living in Harmony project has been working to create a platform to support active youth, civil society, and local self-government bodies in preventing social conflicts, maintaining law and order, and training in mediation skills in 25 selected locations in Kyrgyzstan.
[2] https://www.facebook.com/100068364703944/videos/514665493597962