Democratic Governance ConneCting Citizens & government to improve Communities
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. introduction 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.
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 2009, 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 to date include: Belarus to Estonia, Afghanistan to Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic to Estonia, and Timor-Leste to El Salvador. 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 Transparent Program Objectives & Guiding Principles
WHere We WorK Past & Present democratic governance Programs Afghanistan Albania Bolivia Colombia Croatia El Salvador Georgia Guatemala Honduras Indonesia Iraq Jordan Kenya Macedonia Malaysia Mexico Moldova Mongolia Morocco Peru Romania Russia Serbia Slovakia South Africa Ukraine Venezuela The benefits of IRI s local governance program were reflected in the performance of Ma an Municipality, as now it is ranked as one of the best municipalities in Jordan. - Mayor Khalid Shammari Ma an, Jordan I am a direct witness to IRI s non-partisan and admirable work with local governments... Because of IRI, my administration has been able to offer citizens better services, more outreach and more transparency. - Mayor Josè Ernesto Martinez Tarquino Soacha, Colombia
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 and Valledupar are pioneering efforts to increase transparency and fight corruption through Salones de la Transparencia. These offices allows 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.
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