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Since 1997, IRI has worked in Mexico to enhance the development of this important democracy. IRI works with political parties of diverse ideological backgrounds, state and local elected officials and civil society groups. IRI also supports democratic governance at the state and municipal level bringing together political leaders, civil society and citizens to discuss important issues and collaborate in developing effective policies.
Political Parties
At the request of party leadership, the Institute has also supported the development of issue-based platforms to address Mexicans’ most pressing concerns. To facilitate improved communication between the parties and the voting population, IRI focuses its training sessions on developing effective campaign strategies and media outreach techniques. Training topics include using polling data to inform political stakeholders about citizen priorities, conducting effective grassroots outreach, using new media technologies in campaigns and organizational planning.
The 2012 Mexican presidential election cycle provided an opportunity for IRI to work with candidates running for office. Specifically, IRI worked with local, state and federal level candidates in the northern states of Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua and Baja California. IRI organized town halls, debates and candidate round tables with members of civil society where candidates talked to the public, explained platforms, and engaged with stakeholders on important changes occurring in Mexico.
Democratic Governance
As it does throughout the world, IRI places great emphasis on improving democratic governance in Mexico. IRI launched its governance program in 2008 in the state of Oaxaca, partnering with two municipalities, San Jacinto Amilpas and San Baltazar Chichicapam. With support from the National Endowment for Democracy, IRI provided those municipal governments with technical assistance to improve their responsiveness to citizen needs and enhance the overall quality of municipal service delivery. These programs provide public officials with timely opinion research on citizen priorities, train public officials on how to implement mechanisms for transparency and improve the quality and frequency of communication between governments and their constituents.
Additionally, the Institute has helped to foster greater citizen interest and participation in areas such as municipal budget-making, public safety and economic development. Earlier this year, IRI expanded its governance program to the state of Morelos and to the municipalities of Cuernavaca and Huixquilucan, where the Institute continues to focus on institutional capacity building, transparency and promoting two-way communication between government and citizens.
Civil Society
Informed and interested citizens play a critical role in the democratic process, and so IRI supports civil society organizations that promote greater involvement in political- and social-dialogue, especially among traditionally marginalized sectors of society, such as indigenous populations and youth. In the months preceding the July 2012 national elections, for example, IRI helped civil society organizations in Nuevo Leon organize campaigns to educate voters on security and justice reforms. Local civil society organizations play a key role in distributing information on the reforms and will hold candidates and elected officials accountable to campaign promises.
