Young People Seek Greater Role in Government

Until the Kyrgyz government changes its youth policy, young people will remain largely excluded from public life, activists say.



The future of the state’s policy on youth will be discussed at a conference in Bishkek scheduled for October 6, and organised by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth Policy together with United Nations volunteers and the OSCE centre in Bishkek.



Youth leaders and political experts interviewed by NBCentralAsia recalled that during the March 2005 revolution, youth organisations played an important role by turning out for mass demonstrations, thus proving that young people are capable of influencing the political process. As a result, more young people began being drawn into political life than ever before.



However, youth activists subsequently expressed disappointment that the politicians who came to power were reluctant to engage young people in the running of the state.



The system of government, oriented towards older adults, and the problems of bribery and corruption are obstacles to young people becoming more engaged in political and public life. Meanwhile, various political groups exploit the lack of unity among young people for their own ends.



Youth groups generally believe that the official documents that set out the state’s policy on young people are toothless and formulaic. The main obstacle, they say, is inadequate funding.



Activists told NBCentralAsia that a working group consisting of student representatives, youth organisations and young politicians has been set up to propose amendments to youth legislation and submit these to parliament.



Some analysts interviewed by NBCentralAsia say young people would do well to campaign for swift constitutional reform and the introduction of a proportional representation system, which would give a new generation of politicians more of a chance to win seats in parliament and other elected bodies. In addition, they say, the government should develop out a long-term funding programme to engage young people in political and economic life.



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