Public Opinion Survey Residents of

November 22 - December 4, 2018 Detailed Methodology

• The survey was conducted by Dr. Rasa Alisauskiene of the public and market research company Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization on behalf of the International Republican Institute. The field work was carried out by SIAR Research and Consulting.

• Data was collected throughout Kyrgyzstan on November 22 - December 4, 2018 through face-to-face interviews at respondents’ homes.

• The sample consisted of 1,500 permanent residents of Kyrgyzstan aged 18 and older and eligible to vote.

• A multistage probability sampling method was used, employing the random route and Kish Method for respondents’ selection procedures.

• Stage one: All districts of Kyrgyzstan were grouped into seven regions plus . Each region of Kyrgyzstan was surveyed. • Stage two: Settlements were selected at random. The number of selected settlements in each region was proportional to the share of population living in a particular type of the settlement in that region. • Stage three: Primary sampling units were described.

• Demographic differences between the achieved sample and published census data are linked to migration patterns, with the population of Kyrgyzstani citizens working and residing abroad being disproportionately young and male. In an effort to stabilize sample distributions over time, IRI introduced a weighting scheme to this data which it will continue to use in the future. Due to this improvement in the methodology, shifts between this survey and the November 2017 survey (and prior) may appear larger than the actual change. For example, trends on internet usage reflect our adjustment to census-reported age and gender demographics. On most other questions, the introduction of a weight did not substantially impact trended data. Due to this addition of a weight, the comparability of this poll against prior polls is limited.

• The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 2.5 percent.

• The response rate was 69 percent.

• Charts and graphs may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding.

• Interviews were conducted in the Kyrgyz, Russian and Uzbek languages.

• The survey was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

2 Mood of the Country Generally speaking, do you think that things in Kyrgyzstan are going in the right direction or wrong direction?

Right direction Wrong direction Don't know/No answer

70% 65% 65% 66% 62% 63% 63% 60% 58% 58% 59% 60% 57% 54% 50% 49% 56% 48% 47%48% 50% 52% 52% 45% 44% 47% 38% 38% 40% 45% 43% 39% 39% 39% 39% 37% 28% 29% 30% 27% 33% 25% 30% 31% 30% 23% 23% 29% 28% 20% 17% 14% 14% 12% 12% 13% 12% 13% 12% 11% 11% 10% 11% 10% 10% 11% 9% 8% 8% 8% 10% 7% 7%

0%

Jul-15

Apr-05

Oct-06 Oct-08 Oct-14

Sep-11

Mar-06 Mar-16 Mar-17

Feb-12 Feb-13 Feb-14 Feb-15

Aug-12

Nov-07 Nov-10 Nov-17 Nov-18

May-07 May-09 May-10 May-11

4 Over the last 12 months, how has the economic situation in Kyrgyzstan changed?

Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same Worsened somewhat Worsened a lot Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 8% 35% 41% 8% 2% 6%

Nov-17 3% 12% 41% 36% 7% 1% Mar-17 5% 39% 37% 11% 4% 4%

Mar-16 5% 33% 35% 19% 5% 3%

Jul-15 7% 34% 29% 21% 6% 3%

Feb-15 10% 26% 35% 19% 6% 4%

Oct-14 5% 26% 36% 22% 6% 5%

Feb-14 4% 31% 38% 17% 6% 4%

Feb-13 2% 20% 42% 24% 8% 4%

Aug-12 3% 29% 37% 23% 5% 3%

Feb-12 5% 31% 42% 14% 4% 4%

Sep-11 7% 33% 29% 17% 12% 1%

May-11 1% 18% 33% 30% 16% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 5 Over the last 12 months, how has the financial situation of your household changed?

Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same Worsened somewhat Worsened a lot Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 7% 37% 44% 8% 2%1% Nov-17 11% 35% 42% 9% 1%1% Mar-17 5% 35% 43% 13% 3%1% Mar-16 6% 23% 45% 20% 5%1% Jul-15 8% 31% 35% 19% 5% 2% Feb-15 11% 25% 39% 20% 3%2% Oct-14 8% 28% 42% 16% 4% 2% Feb-14 6% 32% 43% 15% 3%1% Feb-13 4% 27% 47% 14% 6% 2% Aug-12 4% 30% 46% 16% 3% 1% Feb-12 4% 28% 50% 14% 2% 2% Sep-11 6% 31% 42% 15% 6% May-11 2% 19% 46% 22% 11% Nov-10 4% 16% 46% 23% 11% May-10 2% 11% 56% 22% 8% 1% May-09 8% 31% 38% 18% 5% Oct-08 7% 36% 34% 15% 7% 1% Nov-07 7% 34% 42% 12% 4%1% May-07 12% 35% 37% 11% 4%1% Oct-06 9% 32% 44% 12% 3% Mar-06 7% 24% 53% 14% 2% Apr-05 3% 19% 53% 19% 5% 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 6 In your opinion, how will the economic situation of Kyrgyzstan change in the next 12 months?

Improve a lot Improve somewhat Stay the same Worsen somewhat Worsen a lot Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 10% 37% 26% 4% 1% 22%

Nov-17 16% 40% 24% 2% 17%

Mar-17 7% 37% 27% 4% 2% 24%

Mar-16 10% 29% 34% 7% 3% 17%

Jul-15 12% 36% 26% 8% 2% 16%

Feb-15 15% 30% 23% 9% 2% 21%

9% Oct-14 22% 27% 17% 3% 22%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 7 What are the most important problems that Kyrgyzstan is facing at the moment? (Three spontaneous answers)

Unemployment 43% Corruption 28% Economic development 14% Poor roads 7% Low salaries 7% Migration 6% Low pensions 6% High external debt 6% Education system 5% Healthcare system 5% Lack of industry/factories 5% Inflation 5% Poor performance by government officials 4% Underdeveloped agriculture 4% Environmental issues 3% Shortage of kindergartens/schools 3% Political instability 2% Border issues 2% Other 34% Don't know/No answer 8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 8 What are the most important problems your town/village is facing? (Three spontaneous answers)

Poor roads 30% Lack of drinking water 21% Unemployment 19% Lack of kindergartens 13% Waste management and pollution 7% School facilities 6% Electricity 6% Street lighting 4% Poor infrastructure 4% Low salaries and benefits 3% Educational system 3% Environmental issues 3% Sewage 3% Public transportation 3% Corruption 3% Lack of irrigation water 3% Healthcare 3% Inflation 3% Traffic and parking 3% Cost of housing 2% Gas supply 2% Underdeveloped agriculture 2% Other 25% No problems 3% Don't know/No answer 8% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 9 What are the most important problems facing you and your household? (Three spontaneous answers)

Finances/Low standard of living 24%

Unemployment 15%

Housing problems 5%

Lack of benefits and pensions 4%

Health problems 3%

Low salaries 3%

Water supply issues 2%

Low pensions 2%

Shortage of kindergartens 2%

Land and housing issues 2%

Coal supply 2%

Other 17%

No problems 29%

Don't know/No answer 13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 10 What are the most important problems facing you and your household? (Three spontaneous answers)

Unemployment Low standard of living Housing problems High prices

60% 54% 52% 49% 50% 50% 47% 47% 46% 45% 45% 43% 44% 40% 41% 40% 40% 40% 38% 40% 45% 39% 34% 39% 38% 38% 37% 36% 36% 30% 36% 36% 27% 30% 33% 27% 24% 23% 25% 20% 23% 18% 20% 24% 24% 16% 18% 22% 16%16% 18% 18% 20% 21% 21% 20% 14% 15% 17% 16% 8% 9% 9% 10% 10% 8% 13% 12% 12% 6% 5% 5% 5% 3% 8% 7% 2% 6% 6% 5% 2%

0% 4% 2%

Jul-15

Apr-05

Oct-06 Oct-08 Oct-14

Sep-11

Mar-06 Mar-16 Mar-17

Feb-12 Feb-13 Feb-14 Feb-15

Aug-12

Nov-07 Nov-10 Nov-17 Nov-18

May-07 May-09 May-10 May-11

11 How satisfied are you with the way is developing in Kyrgyzstan?

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 12% 37% 23% 12% 16% Nov-17 12% 47% 21% 7% 13% Mar-17 8% 45% 22% 16% 9% Mar-16 10% 47% 22% 14% 7% Jul-15 8% 40% 26% 17% 9% Feb-15 14% 39% 27% 9% 11% Oct-14 11% 39% 28% 12% 10% Feb-14 4% 33% 34% 16% 13% Feb-13 4% 28% 34% 23% 11% Aug-12 6% 34% 29% 16% 15% Feb-12 11% 42% 30% 10% 7% Sep-11 8% 34% 32% 20% 6% May-11 4% 38% 29% 19% 10% Nov-10 4% 30% 40% 21% 5% May-10 9% 31% 38% 16% 6% May-09 12% 46% 27% 10% 5% Oct-08 6% 38% 28% 15% 13% Nov-07 9% 47% 28% 8% 8% May-07 8% 40% 31% 14% 7% Oct-06 8% 48% 28% 10% 6% Mar-06 10% 42% 34% 8% 6% Apr-05 12% 40% 31% 12% 4% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 12 Are you or people you know ever afraid to openly express your political views?

Very afraid Somewhat afraid Not very afraid Not at all afraid Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 9% 17% 23% 34% 17%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

13 In your opinion, are there groups who do not feel safe to openly express their political views?

Definitely yes Probably yes Probably no Definitely no Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 12% 35% 15% 18% 20%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

14 Which of these statements is closest to your own point of view?

Our society needs serious reforms (structural and systemic change) Our society needs gradual reforms which preserve the existing system Our society has to be protected from the forces who want to change the current order Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 35% 29% 16% 20%

Nov-17 36% 32% 19% 13%

Mar-17 45% 32% 13% 10%

Mar-16 35% 40% 15% 10%

Jul-15 36% 43% 14% 7%

Feb-15 41% 33% 13% 13%

Oct-14 45% 26% 14% 15%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

15 Government/Institutions What is your opinion of the work of the following institutions? Positive Negative Don’t know/No answer

Army 73% 19% 8% Mass media in Kyrgyzstan 70% 22% 7% Central bank 67% 17% 16% Education System 63% 31% 6% 58% 13% 29% State Registration Service 58% 17% 25% Municipal Councils 58% 25% 17% Presidency of Kyrgyzstan 55% 31% 14% Healthcare System 55% 39% 6% World Bank 54% 13% 33% Parliament of Kyrgyzstan 52% 36% 12% United Nations 50% 15% 35% Non-Governmental Organizations 48% 16% 36% 48% 19% 33% Police 48% 44% 8% Labor Unions 46% 26% 28% Central Election Commission 43% 42% 15% Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe 42% 16% 42% Political Parties 37% 49% 14% Courts 37% 52% 11%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 17 Do you know how to make an appeal to Parliament or to a specific Member of Parliament to express your opinion?

6% 13%

15% Yes

I partially know the process

No

Don't know/No answer

66%

18 How informed are you about the work of the parliament, the laws it passes, or other decisions it makes?

8%

8% 24%

Not informed at all

19% Mostly uninformed Mostly informed

Fully informed

Don't know/No answer

41%

19 Do you feel that you have the necessary knowledge about the functioning of the parliament in order to interact with it effectively?

15% 15%

Yes, I do

No, I do not

Don't know/No answer

70%

20 Are you familiar with the work of your local kenesh (municipal or village-level council)?

2% 10%

32%

Yes, very familiar 28% Yes, a little familiar

No, not very familiar

No, not familiar at all

Don't know/No answer

28%

21 Are you familiar with the work of your local kenesh? (Disaggregated by region)

Yes, very familiar Yes, a little familiar No, not very familiar No, not familiar at all Don't know/No answer

Bishkek city 4% 19% 33% 43% 1%

Chui oblast 7% 16% 14% 62% 1%

Issyk-Kul oblast 6% 34% 26% 34%

Naryn oblast 6% 39% 32% 16% 7%

Talas oblast 9% 19% 40% 32%

Osh oblast 20% 33% 29% 16% 1%

Jalal-Abad oblast 16% 38% 25% 18% 3%

Batken oblast 4% 22% 34% 37% 3%

Osh city 9% 31% 39% 17% 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

22 If so, how would you assess their work? (Respondents familiar with the work of their local kenesh, n=576)

1% 11% 13%

21% Very favorably Mostly favorably

Mostly unfavorably

Very unfavorably

Don't know/No answer

54%

23 How frequently do you interact with elected members of your local kenesh? (Respondents familiar with the work of their local kenesh, n=576)

2% 10% 13%

21% Very frequently Somewhat regularly 24% Somewhat rarely Very rarely Never Don't know/No answer

30%

24 What do you expect from the members of your local kenesh?

5% 7% 3%

13%

I expect them to relay my problems or concerns to the Jogorku Kenesh I expect them to relay my problems or concerns to the government I expect them to solve my problems or concerns I do not expect them to do anything

48% 24% Other

Don't know/No answer

25 What do you expect from the members of your local kenesh? (Disaggregated by region) I expect them to relay my problems or concerns to the Jogorku Kenesh I expect them to relay my problems or concerns to the government I expect them to solve my problems or concerns I do not expect them to do anything Other Don't know/No answer

Bishkek city 5% 9% 25% 56% 2% 3%

Chui oblast 7% 19% 22% 41% 2% 9%

Issyk-Kul oblast 1%3% 31% 63% 2%

Naryn oblast 1% 15% 57% 2% 25%

Talas oblast 2%3% 28% 66% 1%

Osh oblast 13% 25% 13% 49% 1%

Jalal-Abad oblast 5% 10% 39% 27% 12% 7%

Batken oblast 17% 10% 16% 51% 6%

Osh city 4% 23% 18% 55%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

26 Do you believe that citizens should play a larger or smaller role in the governmental decision-making process?

They should play a larger role They should play the same role as they are currently playing They should play a smaller role Citizens have no place in decision-making, the job is for leaders Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 60% 19% 6% 6% 9%

Nov-17 53% 19% 8% 9% 11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 27 What forms of local democracy/citizens’ participation in municipal/local governance do you consider to be the most effective? (Multiple answers allowed)

Public meetings 47%

Public hearings 35%

General assembly of community 31% members at their place of residence

Local initiatives 22%

Local elections 12%

Establishment and activity of civil 10% society organizations

Local referenda 8%

I know nothing about forms of local 3% democracy

Don’t know/No answer 12%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 28 Corruption Is corruption a big problem in Kyrgyzstan today?

It is a very big issue It is a big issue It is not a big issue It is not an issue at all Don't know/No answer

1% Nov-18 81% 14% 2% 2%

Nov-17 74% 21% 3%2% 1% Mar-17 78% 17% 3% 1% 1% Mar-16 70% 24% 3% 2% 2% 2% Jul-15 72% 23% 1% 2% Feb-15 71% 21% 3% 3% 1% 3% Oct-14 71% 24% 1% 1% Feb-14 73% 23% 3% 2% 3% Feb-13 69% 24% 2% 1% Aug-12 75% 18% 4% 3% 1% Feb-12 75% 21% 2% 72% Sep-11 24% 3%1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

30 Do you think the Kyrgyz Government is making enough effort to fight corruption?

Yes, enough effort No, not enough effort Don’t know/No answer

Nov-18 25% 66% 9%

Nov-17 20% 73% 7%

Mar-17 17% 77% 6%

Mar-16 22% 74% 4%

Jul-15 24% 71% 5%

Feb-15 19% 73% 8%

Oct-14 16% 77% 7%

Feb-14 13% 77% 10%

Feb-13 15% 74% 11%

Aug-12 18% 76% 6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

31 Do you think that the situation with corruption has been getting better or worse?

7% 12% 4%

16% 20% It is getting much worse It is getting somewhat worse It is staying the same It is getting somewhat better It is getting much better Don't know/No answer

41%

32 In your opinion, how corrupt are the following organizations?

Very corrupt Somewhat corrupt Somewhat not corrupt Not corrupt at all Don't know/No answer

State Automobile Inspection 44% 37% 10% 1% 8% Police 42% 35% 13% 1% 9% Courts 41% 42% 7% 1% 9% Prosecutor General’s Office 41% 32% 10% 2% 15% Customs 37% 38% 10% 1% 14% Medical Institutions 37% 37% 15% 2% 9% Universities 36% 37% 15% 1% 10% Tax Service 33% 31% 15% 2% 19% Political Parties 32% 37% 13% 1% 17% Parliament 30% 37% 14% 2% 16% Financial Police 29% 32% 15% 2% 22% Office of the President 25% 31% 19% 4% 21% Municipal Councils 23% 33% 24% 4% 16% Kyrgyz companies 18% 32% 21% 3% 26% Banks 18% 27% 30% 7% 18% Army 17% 32% 32% 6% 13% Foreign companies 13% 24% 24% 6% 33%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

33 Have you ever personally had to pay a bribe or witnessed other corrupt behavior by a representative of the following institutions?

Yes, several times Yes, once No, but my friend/relative did No Don't know/No answer

Medical Institutions 19% 10% 19% 46% 6% Universities 14% 10% 19% 50% 6% State Automobile Inspection 14% 8% 24% 47% 6% Police 7% 7% 23% 56% 6% Tax Service 3% 5% 16% 68% 8% Courts 3%4% 22% 65% 6% Political Parties 2%3% 13% 74% 8% Municipal Councils 2% 3% 14% 73% 8% Kyrgyz companies 2%2% 13% 74% 9% Customs 1%4% 20% 67% 7% Prosecutor General’s Office 1%4% 15% 71% 8% Army 1%2% 15% 76% 6% Financial Police 1%2% 13% 76% 8% Banks 2% 11% 79% 7% Office of the President 2% 8% 82% 8% Foreign companies 1% 9% 79% 10% Parliament 2% 11% 78% 9%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

34 Politics How much interest do you have in politics?

Very much interested Somewhat interested Somewhat disinterested Not interested at all

Nov-18 6% 27% 31% 35%

Nov-17 7% 30% 27% 36%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

36 Have you ever engaged in any of the following activities?

Yes No Don’t know/No answer

Attend a political meeting 7% 89% 4%

Join a political party 6% 87% 7%

Join or support a formal or informal 5% 92% 3% organization with a political agenda

Contact an elected official 4% 93% 3%

Post on social media about political issues 4% 93% 3%

Sign a petition 3% 94% 3%

Participate in a boycott 3% 93% 4%

Run for political office 3% 93% 3%

Participate in a protest 2% 95% 3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

37 Are you interested in engaging in any of the following activities within the next several years?

Yes No Don’t know/No answer

Attend a political meeting 14% 79% 7%

Post on social media about political 11% 84% 6% issues

Contact an elected official 9% 85% 6%

Run for political office 9% 85% 6%

Join a political party 9% 85% 6%

Participate in a boycott 8% 85% 7%

Join or support a formal or informal 8% 85% 7% organization with a political agenda

Sign a petition 8% 87% 5%

Participate in a protest 8% 87% 5%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

38 Are you a member of a political party?

Yes No Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 7% 90% 3%

Nov-17 5% 94% 1%

Mar-17 6% 94%

Mar-16 9% 88% 3%

Jul-15 15% 85%

Feb-15 6% 94%

Oct-14 9% 91%

Feb-14 7% 93%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

39 How often do you participate in political party activities? (Members of political parties)

Very often Sometimes Rarely Never Don’t know/No answer

Nov-18 11% 41% 36% 11% (n=103) 1%

Nov-17 7% 41% 38% 14% (n=69)

Mar-17 12% 32% 42% 14% (n=91)

Mar-16 15% 43% 29% 11% (n=141) 1%

Jul-15 15% 39% 38% 8% (n=226)

Feb-15 38% 37% 25% (n=90)

Oct-14 24% 32% 32% 5% 7% (n=132)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

40 Why are you not a member of a political party? (Spontaneous answers, respondents who are not members of political parties, n=1,354)

Lack of interest 41%

Lack of desire 8%

Lack of need 6%

Lack of confidence 5%

Lack of time 4%

I'm too old or too young 4%

Nobody invited me 3%

I'm not educated enough 3%

It's useless 2%

I do not understand politics 1%

There are no worthy parties 1%

I have no money or connections 1%

Other 3%

Don't know/No answer 19%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

41 Which political party is the most active in your region? (Spontaneous answer)

Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan 21%

Party "Ata Jurt" 6%

Party "Respublika" 4%

Party "Kyrgyzstan" 4%

Party "Ata-Meken" 2%

Party "Onuguu-Progress" 1%

Party "Bir Bol" 1%

Party "Butun Kyrgyzstan" 1%

Other 1%

None 31%

Don't know/No answer 30%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

42 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "It is healthy for Kyrgyzstan’s democracy to have multiple parties in power.”

Fully agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Fully disagree Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 15% 23% 26% 24% 12%

Nov-17 17% 34% 23% 15% 11%

Mar-17 16% 27% 25% 23% 9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

43 Elections Do election results have an impact on your financial situation?

Yes No Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 11% 85% 4%

Nov-17 8% 90% 2%

Mar-17 17% 77% 6%

Mar-16 18% 71% 11%

Jul-15 11% 83% 6%

Feb-15 15% 76% 9%

Oct-14 14% 77% 9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

* In surveys before November 2017 the question wording was different: “In your opinion, does your financial situation depend on the results of elections in general?” 45 If the parliamentary elections were held next Sunday, for which party would you vote? If, for some reason, the party you previously mentioned as your first voting choice does not participate in the elections, for which other party would you vote?

First choice Second choice

Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan 18% 4%

Party "Respublika" 9% 3%

Party “Ata-Jurt” 8% 4%

Party “Butun Kyrgyzstan” 7% 5%

Party “Ata-Meken” 6% 3%

Party "Onuguu-Progress” 3% 3%

Party “Kyrgyzstan” 2%2% 1% Party "Ak Shumkar" 1% 1% Party "Bir Bol" 2% Party "Zamandash" 1% 1% Other 2%

Against all 6% 8%

Would not vote 6% 13%

Don't know 24% 32%

No answer 6% 18%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 46 In your opinion, what areas should be of top priority for candidates in the next local elections? (Up to five answers)

Roads 45% Kindergartens 39% Medical institutions 34% Schools 32% Street lighting 21% Land issues 21% Water supply 20% Housing and communal areas 20% Industrial development 19% Social assistance 18% Waste management 17% Public transportation 15% Environmental issues 13% Sports facilities 13% Sidewalks 12% Sewage 11% Security 10% Transparency/accessibility of municipal authorities 9% Culture institutions 8% Public parks and squares 7% Street markets 6% Access for persons with disabilities 6% Yards and spaces around houses 4% Heating 4% Parking 4% Citizens' participation in the decision making process 3% Provision of administrative services 2% Other 5% Don't know/No answer 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 47 How confident are you in the people who manage and administer elections in your community?

3% 12%

31%

I am very confident 22% I am somewhat confident

I am mostly not confident

I am not confident at all

Don't know/No answer

32%

48 Politicians Which politicians or public figures do you trust the most? (Up to three spontaneous answers)

Sooronbay Jeenbekov 27% Adakhan Madumarov 14% 13% Omurbek Tekebaev 9% Kamchibek Tashiev 8% 4% Almazbek Atambaev 3% Bakyt Torobaev 3% Temir Sariev 3% 2% Melis Myrzakmatov 2% Roza Otunbaeva 2% Janar Akaev 2% Kurmanbek Bakiev 2% Akylbek Japarov 2% Mukhammedkaliy Abylgaziev 1% Ulugbek Kochkorov 1% Asylbek Jeenbekov 1% I do not trust anybody 4% Other 9% Don't know/No answer 28%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 50 What is your opinion of each of the following politicians?

Favorable Unfavorable Have not heard of them Don't know/No answer

Sooronbai Jeenbekov 77% 13% 1% 9%

Roza Otunbaeva 64% 25% 2% 8%

Adakhan Madumarov 55% 28% 10% 7%

Askar Akaev 53% 38% 1% 8%

Almazbek Atambaev 53% 41% 1%5%

Omurbek Babanov 51% 38% 2% 9%

Omurbek Tekebaev 45% 38% 7% 10%

Muhammedkalyi Abylgaziev 44% 20% 22% 14%

Sapar Isakov 42% 34% 13% 11%

Kurmanbek Bakiev 39% 54% 2%5%

Bakyt Torobaev 38% 31% 22% 9%

Kamchibek Tashiev 38% 42% 10% 10%

Temir Sariev 37% 41% 10% 12%

Asylbek Jeenbekov 35% 26% 24% 15%

Chynybay Tursunbekov 29% 31% 27% 13%

Isa Omurkulov 28% 37% 23% 12%

Kanatbek Isaev 26% 27% 35% 12%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

51 International Relations How would you assess the current relations between Kyrgyzstan and the following countries?

Good Bad Neither good nor bad Don't know/No answer

1% 97% 1% 1%

Kazakhstan 83% 7% 8% 2%

Turkey 69% 8% 16% 7%

Uzbekistan 62% 18% 13% 6%

European Union 59% 5% 23% 13%

Japan 41% 16% 27% 16%

Tajikistan 41% 26% 19% 13%

China 39% 31% 21% 9%

United States 30% 28% 27% 14%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

53 Which of these countries do you consider to be the most important economic partners and greatest economic threats to Kyrgyzstan?

Partner Threat

100% 94%

90%

80%

70%

59% 60% 57%

50% 42% 40% 35% 30% 29% 30%

19% 20% 16% 14% 15% 14%14% 12% 10% 10% 10% 7% 7% 8% 2% 1% 2% 0% Russia European Tajikistan United None Don't Union States know/No answer

54 Do you believe that Kyrgyzstan joining the Eurasian Economic Union with Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia has been positive or negative for Kyrgyzstan?

Very positive Somewhat positive Somewhat negative Very negative Don’t know/No answer

Nov-18 28% 45% 6% 2% 19%

Nov-17 29% 49% 7% 3% 12%

Mar-17 32% 47% 9% 1% 11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

55 Do you believe that Kyrgyzstan was:

21%

45% better off as a Soviet republic

just as well off as a Soviet 11% republic worse off as a Soviet republic

Don't know/No answer

22%

56 Do you believe that violent religious extremism poses a threat in Kyrgyzstan?

10%

4%

9%

It is a very serious threat

49% It is a somewhat serious threat

It is a somewhat not serious threat It is not a serious threat

Don't know/No answer 28%

57 Human Rights Which sectors of society do you feel are most important for women to play an expanded role in? (Three answers)

70% 72% Education 73% 76% 56% 65% 72% Healthcare 72% 78% 61% 55% 58% Households/At home 50% 49% 39% 21% 16% Business 17% 20% 24% 12% 4% Farming 7% 5% 8% Nov-18 8% 14% Nov-17 Politics 17% 15% 22% Mar-17 5% Mar-16 4% Law enforcement 4% Jul-15 7% 15% 2% 1% Don't know/No answer 2% 2% 4% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 59 If there are two candidates running for office and they have the same qualifications aside from the fact that one is a man and one is a woman, which candidate are you more likely to support?

Man Woman Makes no difference to me Don’t know/No answer

Nov-18 39% 10% 49% 2%

Nov-17 52% 12% 35% 1%

Mar-17 35% 15% 47% 3%

Mar-16 32% 19% 49% 1%

Jul-15 37% 22% 38% 3%

Feb-15 37% 20% 41% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

60 I will read you a list of several attributes a candidate running for office may have. For each attribute, please tell me if it would make you more likely or less likely to vote for the candidate, or if it would not matter.

More Less Not matter Don’t know/No answer

Candidate has never held 19% 37% 31% 13% office before

Candidate is 35 years old 16% 22% 50% 12% or younger

Candidate is from an 15% 23% 48% 14% opposition party

Candidate is from the 12% 27% 46% 14% party in power

Candidate is female 9% 40% 42% 9%

Candidate has a different 8% 28% 48% 15% ethnic background

Candidate has a different 8% 31% 47% 14% religion

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

61 I will read you a list of several qualities voters commonly seek in politicians. For each quality, please tell me if it is more likely for men to have it, for women to have it, or if both genders are equally likely to have it.

Man Woman Both Don’t know/No answer

Strength 34% 4% 59% 2%

Leadership skills 26% 4% 68% 2%

Experience 13% 7% 77% 3%

Ability to communicate 12% 7% 77% 4%

Higher education 11% 6% 81% 2%

Ability to listen 11% 11% 76% 2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

62 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Politicians do not listen to the needs and ideas of women.”

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know/No answer

Nov-18 19% 39% 21% 6% 15%

Mar-17 15% 38% 24% 10% 13%

Mar-16 17% 42% 27% 4% 10%

Jul-15 21% 37% 29% 5% 8%

Feb-15 16% 34% 33% 6% 11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

63 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Politicians do not listen to the needs and ideas of women.” (Disaggregated by gender and age)

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know/No answer

Male 19% 36% 20% 7% 18% GENDER Female 19% 42% 21% 5% 13%

18-29 years old 23% 37% 19% 4% 17%

30-49 years old 15% 42% 22% 7% 14% AGE

50 years and older 20% 38% 21% 5% 16%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

64 In your opinion, should there be more women in Kyrgyz politics?

Yes, there should be more women in Kyrgyz politics There should be the same level of women as there currently is No, there should be less women in Kyrgyz politics Don’t know/No answer

Nov-18 23% 40% 24% 13%

Nov-17 27% 24% 41% 8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 65 In your opinion, should there be more women in Kyrgyz politics? (Disaggregated by gender and age)

Yes, there should be more women in Kyrgyz politics There should be the same level of women as there currently is No, there should be less women in Kyrgyz politics Don’t know/No answer

Male 16% 43% 28% 13% GENDER Female 30% 38% 20% 12%

18-29 years old 20% 41% 28% 11%

30-49 years old 23% 40% 22% 15% AGE

50 years and older 27% 41% 21% 11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 66 If yes, why do you believe there should be more women in Kyrgyz politics? (Multiple answers, respondents who think there should be more women in politics, n=346)

Women can address issues pertaining to women’s 42% rights more effectively

Women are generally more level-headed and 42% reasonable than men

More women in politics will help to empower young 34% women to be more politically and socially active

Equal representation is important 28%

Composition of the government should resemble 22% composition of the general population

Don't know/No answer 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

67 If no, why do we need fewer women in politics? (Multiple answers, respondents who do not think there should be more women in politics, n=354)

It is difficult for women to fully devote themselves to 50% both job and family

Politics is dirty, so women should not participate in it 20%

Women do not possess the same skills for politics as 13% men do

Women in politics lose their femininity 6%

There are too many women in politics already 4%

Women are generally less level-headed and 2% reasonable than men

Other 1%

Don't know/No answer 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

68 Why are there not more women politically engaged in Kyrgyzstan?

Yes No Don’t know/No answer

Women are preoccupied with child-rearing duties 60% 30% 10%

Women lack the support network 51% 33% 16%

Even when women run for office, they do not get 48% 32% 20% elected

Women lack familial support 48% 38% 14%

Women lack the confidence to run 41% 42% 17%

Women lack support from the political parties they 40% 39% 21% belong to

Women lack political experience 40% 45% 15%

Women are discouraged from running by cultural norms 37% 42% 21%

Women are afraid of violence if they run 37% 42% 21%

Women lack the resources to mount a campaign 35% 46% 19%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

*Respondents were prompted with the above list of potential explanations, which was assembled based on answers received in previous years of polling. 69 Do you believe Kyrgyzstan should have a gender quota to ensure that women and men are more equally represented?

Yes No Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 51% 26% 23%

Nov-17 54% 30% 16%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 70 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Politicians do not listen to the needs and ideas of young people.”

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know/No answer

Nov-18 33% 43% 13% 4% 7%

Mar-17 28% 39% 17% 10% 6%

Mar-16 24% 39% 26% 4% 7%

Jul-15 24% 39% 23% 7% 7%

Feb-15 22% 36% 27% 5% 10%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

71 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Politicians do not listen to the needs and ideas of young people.” (Disaggregated by gender and age)

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know/No answer

Male 32% 43% 15% 4% 6% GENDER Female 34% 43% 11% 3% 8%

18-29 years old 36% 43% 12% 3% 6%

30-49 years old 32% 44% 13% 4% 8% AGE

50 years and older 31% 43% 14% 4% 8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

72 In your opinion, should there be more youth in Kyrgyz politics?

Yes, there should be more youth in Kyrgyz politics There should be the same level of youth as there currently is No, there should be less youth in Kyrgyz politics Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 67% 23% 4% 5%

Nov-17 74% 18% 6% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

73 In your opinion, should there be more youth in Kyrgyz politics? (Disaggregated by gender and age)

Yes, there should be more youth in Kyrgyz politics There should be the same level of youth as there currently is No, there should be less youth in Kyrgyz politics Don't know/No answer

Male 67% 24% 5% 4% GENDER Female 67% 23% 4% 6%

18-29 years old 72% 20% 3% 5%

30-49 years old 65% 24% 6% 5% AGE

50 years and older 63% 27% 4% 6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

74 If yes, why do you believe there should be more youth in Kyrgyz politics? (Multiple answers, respondents who think there should be more youth in Kyrgyz politics, n=1,009)

Youth are the future of the country 65%

Youth bring a new set of fresh ideas, values and 50% opportunities, which can lead to valuable reforms

More youth in politics will empower the next 35% generation to be more politically and socially active

There should be a regular influx of new faces in 22% politics

Equal representation is important 11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

75 If no, why should there not be more youth in Kyrgyz politics? (Multiple answers, respondents who do not think there should be more youth in politics, n=65)

Youth are not strong enough to advocate for the 50% interests of their constituency

Youth need to pay their dues and rise the same way as 22% other leaders

Youth do not have the financial resources to 19% contribute

Youth do not have the stomach for politics 18%

Youth bring new ideas, which upsets the existing 6% order

There are too many youth in politics already 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

76 Do you believe the rights of persons with disabilities are fully respected in Kyrgyzstan today?

12% 15%

They are fully respected

13% They are somewhat respected

They are mostly not respected

They are not at all respected 42% Don't know/No answer 18%

77 If not, why not? (Respondents who think the rights of persons with disabilities are not fully respected, n=466)

Nobody pays attention to them/thinks about them 19%

No possibilities and finances to create conditions for 12% them

No support/conditions/help 9%

Their public pensions and benefits are small 6%

Laws do not work 5%

Corruption is everywhere 3%

Low standard of living 1%

Other 8%

Don't know/No answer 38%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

78 Sources of Information Which of these media outlets do you use for gaining political information? (Multiple answers)

90%93% TV news and programs 96% 94% 94% 55% 38% Internet 29% 22% 20% 34% 37% Relatives/Friends 52% 48% 38% 12% 19% Articles in newspapers 24% 30% 35% 11% 16% Radio news and programs 15% 19% 27% 6% 2% Meetings with politicians 11% 7% 7% 2% 3% Nov-18 Articles in magazines 6% 1% 2% Nov-17 2% 5% Mar-17 Billboards/Stands in the streets 14% 8% 11% Mar-16 2% 3% Work colleagues 7% Jul-15 4% 4% 1% Leaflets/Other free information by mail 3% 1% 6%

Don't know/No answer 1% 2% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 80 Which TV channel do you trust most for news and political information?

OTRK (KTR) 36%

ELTR 8%

NTS 8%

Ala Too 24 6%

Osh TV 4%

5th channel 3%

7th channel 3%

ORT (1 Channel) 2%

RTR 2%

Azattyk 1%

April 1%

Yntymak 1%

Mir 1%

Other 8%

None 1%

Don't watch TV 9%

Don't know/No answer 5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 81 Which radio station do you trust most for news and political information?

Azattyk 4%

Kyrgyzstan Obondoru 2%

Evropa Plus 1%

Min Kyyal 1%

EL FM 1%

Other 3%

Don't listen to radio 84%

Don't know/No answer 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 82 Which website/online resource do you trust most for news and political information?

YouTube 21%

Facebook 6%

AKIpress 3%

Google 3%

Instagram 3%

Odnoklassniki 2%

WhatsApp 2%

super.kg 2%

news.kg 1%

azattyk.org 1%

kaktus.media 1%

Other 4%

None 16%

Don't use internet 27%

Don't know/No answer 8%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 83 How often do you use the internet?

Every day 5-6 days a week 3-4 days a week 1-2 days a week Less often Never Don't know/No answer

Nov-18 50% 4% 7% 3%2% 32% 2%

Nov-17 25% 4% 5% 4% 4% 58%

Mar-17 19% 4% 6% 6% 3% 60% 2%

Mar-16 16% 9% 5% 5% 2% 60% 3%

Jul-15 11% 3% 6% 7% 4% 69%

Feb-15 11% 5% 5% 4% 3% 72%

Oct-14 14% 3% 4% 4% 3% 72%

Feb-14 14% 3% 6% 6% 8% 63%

Feb-13 11% 3%3% 4% 8% 67% 4%

Aug-12 8% 2%3% 4% 5% 77% 1% 3% Feb-12 8% 1% 4% 4% 80% Sep-11 2% 5%1% 5% 6% 81% May-11 2% 6% 2% 4% 5% 82% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

*While internet usage is increasing, weighting plays a role in the stark difference to the November 2017 poll. Unweighted November 2018 every day usage is 43%. 84 Where do you most often access the internet? (Internet users, n=994)

Via mobile phone 54%

At home 41%

At work 3%

Other places 1%

Don't know/No answer <1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

85 Which social media sites do you use most often? (Internet users, n=994)

WhatsApp 50%

Facebook 27%

Odnoklassniki 18%

Vkontakte 1%

Twitter 1%

Telegram <1%

I don’t use social media 3%

Don't know/No answer 1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

86 Demographics Demographics

Male 49%

Female 51% GENDER

18-29 years 35%

30-49 years 39% AGE

50 years and older 26%

Incomplete secondary 9%

Secondary 51%

Special secondary 17% EDUCATION Higher/Incomplete higher 23%

Kyrgyz 81%

Uzbek 8%

Russian 6% ETHNICITY Other 5%

Muslim 92%

Orthodox 6%

RELIGION Other 2%

Bad 16%

Average 70% FAMILY

FINANCIAL Good 12% SITUATION OF SITUATION

Yes 48%

FAMILY No 52%

ABROAD MEMBERS

One 37%

Two 50%

FAMILY MEMBERS

NUMBER OF NUMBER Three or more 13% ABROAD, n=716 ABROAD, 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 88 Demographics Manager/Director/Deputy director 2% Specialist, technician 10% Office worker, service, trade 10% Worker 6% Farmer 4% Student 5%

OCCUPATION Retired (not working) 13% Housewife/Maternity leave 21% Unemployed/Looking for job 26% Other 2% Bishkek 17% Town 18%

T TYPE T Rural area 65% SETTLEMEN Bishkek (North) 17% Chui (North) 15% Issyk-Kul (North) 8% Naryn (North) 4%

Talas (North) 4% REGION Jalal-Abad (South) 19% Batken (South) 8% Osh (South) 25%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 89 Frequently Cited Disaggregates

Region Sample Size Gender Sample size Age Sample size (n) (n) (n)

Bishkek city 262 Male 729 18-29 years 519 old Chui oblast 231 Female 771 30-49 years 591 Issyk-Kul 116 old oblast Naryn oblast 66 50 years old 389 and older Talas oblast 58

Osh oblast 299

Jalal-Abad 277 oblast

Batken oblast 118

Osh city 72

90 Center for Insights in Survey Research 202.408.9450 | [email protected] www.IRI.org | @IRI_Polls