The security situation in parts of Afghanistan has made it increasingly difficult for Afghan members of parliament (MPs) to maintain contact with their constituents.  To connect citizens with their government and improve MPs’ responsiveness to their constituents, USAID created a radio roundtable series between MPs in Kabul and citizens in the provinces. 

To maximize public engagement in the exchanges, USAID designs the radio programs to ensure that they embody participatory democratic methods.  Each roundtable is publicized through solicitations for participant nominees and discussion topics.  A small group of nominees then receive training on media skills, and they can then participate in the studio discussion or call in with questions during the live 1.5 hour broadcast.  A half-hour edited version is later broadcast nationally on Salam Watandar during primetime.

The facilitated discussions proved very popular with citizens eager to have their say in Afghan politics, and the MPs are grateful for this new form of access to their constituents.  According to roundtable host and Sabawoon Helmand Radio manager, Merwais Patsoon, the station has received numerous requests from listeners for additional programs.  Hilmand MP Nasima Niazi said of her experience on the radio, “I was very happy that my constituents could talk to me live without any security threat.  People who live in far, undeveloped areas were able to hear the voices of their MPs.  This is an excellent step toward a good future for Hilmand.”

At a time when citizens’ confidence in their representatives and governing institutions is vital to stability, increased interaction is essential.  USAID will continue to conduct roundtables in Afghanistan’s most prohibitive environments.