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IRI has been providing assistance to Salvadoran political parties, elected leaders and civil society since 2007. The Institute’s programs have ranged from helping political parties effectively and ethically compete in campaigns to promoting youth involvement in the political process. Starting in 2010, IRI began a regional democratic governance program in Central America, partnering with municipal governments in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to help local leaders address issues such as efficient service delivery, citizen participation, and constituent outreach at the local level. In addition, IRI promotes government transparency and accountability as well as stronger civic interest and involvement in municipal affairs.
Download Summary (PDF)
IRI has been providing assistance to Salvadoran political parties, elected leaders and civil society since 2007. The Institute’s programs have ranged from helping political parties effectively and ethically compete in campaigns to promoting youth involvement in the political process. Starting in 2010, IRI began a regional democratic governance program in Central America, partnering with municipal governments in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to help local leaders address issues such as efficient service delivery, citizen participation, and constituent outreach at the local level. In addition, IRI promotes government transparency and accountability as well as stronger civic interest and involvement in municipal affairs.
Democratic Governance
IRI designs its governance programming around citizen needs and priorities as gauged though public opinion research. In El Salvador, public opinion research collected by IRI in 2011 revealed two main issues of concern among citizens: 1) gaps in communication between the municipal governments and the general public; 2) lack of opportunities for citizens to participate. The Institute developed training programs to help municipal officials respond to these priorities, as well as to improve overall service delivery and transparency at the municipal level.
IRI currently works in the municipalities of San Salvador and Santa Tecla, providing technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of local officials to respond to thematic areas of local need, emphasizing informed decision-making and collaboration with citizens in the development of solutions. IRI’s programming works to build the capacities of local officials through trainings and targeted programmatic activities focused on enhancing service delivery, creating opportunities for citizen participation and inclusion, and working to promote citizen oversight.
Efficient and Effective Service Delivery
IRI works with municipal government officials to build their capacity to provide efficient and effective service delivery to citizens. IRI has worked with the governments of San Salvador and Santa Tecla to publish manuals detailing the processes and procedures needed for citizens to carry out municipal transactions at local government offices. In addition, IRI has helped the municipalities streamline and simplify process workflows, by reducing the number steps needed for citizens to complete transactions, and encouraging the use of technology to improve services. In this effort, IRI has facilitated the sharing of best practices between Guatemala City and San Salvador focused on improving efficiency in tax revenue collection and citizen services.
Citizen Participation and Oversight
Citizen inclusion in decision-making is a key governance principle. IRI works with its partner municipalities to develop new and creative initiatives that improve government outreach to citizens as well as improve existing methodologies of citizen participation. IRI has worked with the municipal government of San Salvador to improve its participatory budgeting methodology to make the process more inclusive. IRI is also working with both municipal governments to promote accountability, specifically through public renderings of accounts. These exercises, in which the mayor reports on municipal investments and expenditures, serve to reinforce both government accountability and involve citizens in oversight of government.
