Yntymaktuu Zhashoo (Living in Peace): Rapid, multi-level reduction of tensions and prevention of election-related violence in 25 districts in Kyrgyzstan

This Action is a multi-level intervention to prevent opportunities for election-related violence in 25 districts across Kyrgyzstan identified as hotspots for election-related violence. International Alert (hereafter Alert), with local organisations the National Centre for Mediation (NCM) and Development Policy Institute (DPI), will support youth volunteer groups, civil society, and local self-government bodies to improve conflict-analysis, conflict-prevention, and mediation skills in 25 districts and pilot locally led, inclusive initiatives to more effectively prevent potential election-related violence. This will result in a more robust civil society better prepared to mitigate tensions, stronger peace-orientated youth movements, and more effective implementation of local governments’ conflict-prevention mandate. This will be complemented by higher-level political dialogue and analysis with key officials through a working group, which will discuss key issues fuelling election violence and disseminate messages of tolerance, the rule of law, and respect for a pluralist democracy, as well as build the evidence base through rapid analyses and recommendations for various political actors. A communications campaign on positive political culture will offer counter-messaging to divisive narratives around the elections, offering alternatives to promote a more tolerant atmosphere. Finally, the Action will map politicised youth structures and engage with youth political influencers to diffuse tensions, promote tolerance, and prevent violence.