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Democracy is more than elections. What happens between elections – governing – is equally important for a vibrant democracy. As such, governance programming is a core component of IRI's mission to advance democracy worldwide.
Around the world, IRI conducts democratic governance programs, working alongside political and government actors, citizens and civil society, to bring government closer to citizens, transforming government into a responsive, transparent and effective institution. IRI’s experience includes the design, implementation and evaluation of democratic governance initiatives in closed, transitional and consolidating democratic political systems.
At IRI, democratic governance is understood as a system in which citizens participate in government planning and decision-making, while those in office respond to citizen needs with accountability and transparency.
Program Objectives and Guiding Principles
Through its programs, IRI:
• Strengthens the ability of government to effectively respond to citizen needs through transparent and accountable governing practices; and
• Promotes citizen demand for democratic governance by strengthening civil society so it can take an active role in policy development while also conducting effective oversight of government.
IRI’s democratic governance programs make governments more: accessible, accountable, effective, efficient, equitable, inclusive, responsive and transparent.
Working with Citizens
In Jordan, the citizens of Rusaifeh launched a petition campaign to address a public health risk posed by dust waste left behind by a phosphate mining complex. Citizen committees recruited volunteer canvassers and sought signatures throughout the city. The petition drive marked the first time that this city of 600,000 worked collectively to address an issue of common concern.
Citizens presented the petition to their local and national representatives, drawing attention to the urgency of the health crisis and asking the authorities to act quickly to solve the problem.
Working with Government
The Colombian cities of Cartagena, Soacha, Cucuta and Valledupar are pioneering efforts to increase transparency and fight corruption through Salones de la Transparencia.
These offices allow citizens to perform oversight of public resources by providing access to government contracts and budgets as well as local development plans and annual reports. Citizens can also visit the office to receive civic education material and file complaints related to the local administration and the use of public resources. In 2009, the Colombian Federation of Municipalities recognized the Salones de la Transparencia as one of 30 innovative practices in local government.
Rising Stars
IRI’s Rising Stars program draws on the experiences of countries that have successfully transitioned to democracy for the benefit of emerging leaders in developing democracies. Through exchanges, future leaders are afforded insight into best practices for democratic governance, including models for effective economic policy and development.
In September 2011, IRI partnered with the Czech center-right think tank and academic institution, CEVRO, to provide democracy activists from closed societies and struggling democracies with intensive practical and academic training on topics ranging from democratic governance to executive management and macro-economic policy. Over the course of this two-week training program, participants met with and learned from experts, academics, government officials and civil society organizations who spoke of the Czech Republic’s successful democratic transition. Participants represented: Belarus, Bolivia, Burma, Russia, South Sudan and Zimbabwe.
In a previous exchange, IRI hosted democratic activists and emerging leaders from Zimbabwe in Santiago, Chile. Participants studied Chile’s macro- and micro-economic practices, learned of current and former economic reforms implemented in Chile, and were exposed to lessons learned in this country’s transition to democracy.
Other exchanges include: Jordan to Slovakia, Colombia to Brazil, Burma to Indonesia, Liberia to Botswana, Belarus to Estonia, Afghanistan to Indonesia, Cuba to the Czech Republic, Kyrgyz Republic to Estonia, and Timor Leste to El Salvador.
IRI has conducted democratic governance programs in:
