Bishkek, November 8, 2021 – The Ceremony of transferring the professional video cameras to regional media centers and signing the Memorandum of Understanding between CEC and regional media centers took place on November 5^th at CEC. 7 studio video cameras were procured under the UNDP Kyrgyzstan Election Support Program to ensure equal coverage of candidates by providing free airtime to all candidates from single-mandate constituencies running for the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

The event took place on the eve of the Information and Press Day with the participation of the heads of regional media centers, CEC Chairwoman Madam Nurzhan Shaildabekova, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Chyngyz Esengulov, the Chief Technical Advisor of the UNDP Kyrgyzstan Election Support Program Ms. Risa Arai, Mr. Aibek Orozbay, Programme Manager, National Democratic Institutes as well as representatives of the Kyrgyz media.

“For the first time in Kyrgyzstan, debates are held at the level of single-mandate constituencies in the regions. This is an important information channel for disseminating information to voters about candidates, and their ability to engage in a constructive policy discussion around the country's development and solutions to the urgent problems. I believe that this is an important component of future members of the parliament. We are grateful to UNDP for the support of regional media centers and CEC’s civic education programme. And also, for their constant cooperation in strengthening the electoral processes of our country ", said Madam Shaildabekova.

Risa Arai (UNDP)  noted that these 7 cameras will contribute to the efforts of the Central Election Commission and regional media centers in leveling the playing field of candidates and maximizing the access to information of voters, which helps them to make an informed decisions.

‘It is also important that these cameras will be used for the civic and voter education even after this electoral cycle and UNDP is glad to contribute to such a long-term engagement.’ – said Ms. Arai.

Elections to the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic under the new mixed system will take place on November 28, 2021. The UNDP Kyrgyzstan Election Support Program, with the kind contribution from the Governments of Switzerland, Germany and Japan, is providing a technical support to the Central Election Commission.

Media contacts:

Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, Communications Officer

Ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org

Tel: +996 770 183 493