Background:  A strong and organized civil society is fundamental for the creation of a more stable democracy in Ecuador.   These organizations are also important channels of communication, advocacy, and interaction between citizens and their Government.  A well functioning democracy requires free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections to provide elected officials with the legitimacy to govern.  A stronger and better organized civil society that promotes adherence to democratic practices and principles and promotes democratic values and behavior is an essential factor for strengthening democracy in Ecuador.  

Objectives: 

·          Strengthen civil society capacity to influence democratic processes;

·          Expand civil society’s oversight capacity; and

·          Strengthen citizen political and civic culture to promote great compromise with a stronger, more stable democracy.

Activity description: The project will promote transparent electoral processes.  Special attention will be given to voting by people with disabilities, indigenous, and Afro-Ecuadorians, and to coordinating with organizations representing these traditionally marginalized groups. In addition, this project will coordinate electoral support and political reform efforts with other national and international organizations.  Other two important activities that will be carried out under this project will be to effectively promote democratic values, attitudes and practices and to improve dialogue and governance practices that lead to a more stable democracy. 

Results as of 2007:

·          Actual domestic observers for 2007 Ecuadorian Elections, trained with USG assistance, totaled 7,516. 

·          1,463 indigent persons, including poor women, received legal defense services and another 1,623 were provided legal counsel in eight cities. 

·          41 citizen oversight groups established to assess judicial performance in five cities. 

·          Citizen Participation established an alliance with the Ministry of Education to train 190 high-school students from the city of Guayaquil on leadership skills and democratic values.

Major expected results through 2008:

·          Improved civil society oversight capacity through expanded and enhanced participation of citizens in political processes and effectively functioning institutions.

·          Transparent and more inclusive elections are promoted through civil society’s independent and technically sound observation. Consolidation of alliances among civil society groups to effectively promote democratic practices and principles.

Partners: Minister of JusticeRed de JusticiaCoalicion Acceso 

Implementing partner: Participacion Ciudadana (Citizen Participation) 

Project duration: Two years (2007-2009)  

Investment: $2.4 million 

Contact: Lucrecia Tola USAID/EcuadorTel. (593-2) 223-2100, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it