OSCE supports public hearings in Kyrgyzstan on urban development, information security and electoral reform
A series of three OSCE-supported public hearings on topics of concern for people concluded on 30 November 2013 in Kyrgyzstan. The events took place in November in Bishkek and the cities of Karakol and Balykchy in Issyk-Kul province, and focused on information security, electoral reform, and urban socio-economic development.
All public hearings were attended by members of Kyrgyz parliament, local political activists, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
The event in Bishkek specifically focused on boosting the state’s capacity to ensure information security, while in Karakol, the discussion was devoted to legislative issues, as well as to modern technologies in electoral reform. The Balykchy roundtable discussion brought together experts on urban development who discussed with the Members of Parliament the prospects of implementing Kyrgyzstan’s Strategy for Sustainable Development at the level of small- and medium-sized cities and towns.
Roza Aknazarova, MP and Chair of the non-governmental organization “Parliament of Political Parties” who participated in 30 November public hearing said: “Such events allow both civil society representatives and parliamentarians to come up with specific proposals to enhance relevant legislation and ultimately contributing to fostering a more transparent and fair electoral system.”
Institution Building Officer of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek George Katcharava said: “The issues discussed at the OSCE-supported events are of the utmost concern for the public in Kyrgyzstan and for representatives of political circles. By bringing together decision-makers, legislators, and civil activists, such discussions often translate into political decisions that serve the Kyrgyz parliamentary democracy.”
The public hearings were organized under a wider project of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek on promoting parliamentarianism in Kyrgyzstan.