Features of Participation in Electoral Processes
Ноя 01.2024
On October 30, 2024, the second webinar was held for regional women
leaders. During the first webinar on October 24, participants
discussed topics related to the development of election programs and
effective strategies for engaging with voters. "Your message should
inspire trust and reflect the real priorities of your work,"
recommended Iskender Baynazarov.
During the second online meeting, Baynazarov reminded candidates of
simple rules for creating a favorable image, such as starting meetings
with voters on time, treating people with respect, being prepared for
any questions, not succumbing to provocations, and being engaged and
active in solving local issues. He also highlighted the importance of
fulfilling the “deputy mandate” — socially significant tasks requested
by voters. Advancing and implementing joint projects with the
involvement of residents, local authorities, public organizations, and
businesses strengthens a candidate's position.
In working with voters, it is essential to remember that different age
groups have varying needs and expectations from candidates, so it is
important to study each group’s needs in advance and prepare a plan.
During the discussion on avoiding provocations, former and current
local deputies shared that it is important to listen carefully, remain
calm, and respond with well-reasoned and intelligent answers. "One
must stay connected with the people," they said.
Candidates noted that there is less interest from women in
participating in elections this year. Often, this is due to financial
issues, as campaign funds are needed, yet the position is socially
oriented and unpaid. Those who have put forward their candidacies
mentioned they did so at the request of the community and local
leaders. There are also many young people among the candidates.
Participants emphasized that deputies should be educated individuals
who understand budgeting basics and are committed to benefiting the
community.
Aysuluu Bukambaeva, an expert and Director of the Center for Civic
Education and Electoral Technologies at the Central Election
Commission of Kyrgyzstan, reminded that the candidates' campaign will
continue until November 16. Following the Aiyl District Council
elections, there are 5,391 mandates in the country, 2,177 of which are
reserved for women. Over 3,800 female candidates have submitted
applications.
The expert explained that a common mistake made by candidates is using
funds outside the official electoral account of the candidate or
political party. "All expenses should go through the electoral fund."
This includes printing campaign materials, which must contain
publication details (circulation, printing company, funding source),
and hiring campaigners with formal service contracts.
A question from Meerim Moldalieva addressed the fact that in previous
election cycles, women received a substantial number of votes and were
among the leaders, yet they became deputies through quotas. She asked,
"If a female candidate has received enough votes, why apply the
quota?" Aysuluu Bukambaeva explained that this is in accordance with
the election law. Women with the highest votes go through the quota
system, while remaining seats are distributed among the other
candidates based on the vote count for both genders.
Lawyer Timur Arykov added that each polling station has operational
response coordination groups, and those wishing to file a complaint
about violations can do so on the CEC website
(https://shailoo.gov.kg/ru/registry/submit/).
Participants raised the issue of the lack of a monitoring and
evaluation system for deputies’ performance. Many elected officials
serve multiple terms, yet there is no information on the effectiveness
of their work in fulfilling their promises.
The webinars continued the series of summer training sessions aimed at
developing local leadership potential.
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In November, a “hotline” will be launched to provide legal assistance
to candidates and voters.
These events aim to support women’s leadership and promote gender
equality in Kyrgyzstan's politics, aligning with the goals of the
state program to support women’s leadership until 2030.
Organizers: Public Association "Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan" with support
from FFriedrich Ebert Foundation Kyrgyzstanand WWomen's Learning
Partnership (WLP)
