Elections

In recent years USAID’s partners have been pivotal in pushing for electoral reforms. In May 2004, an Electoral Law that supported more democratic elections was passed in Congress.  Its impact was measured during the November 2005 elections when, for the first time, congressional representatives were elected directly, as opposed to by party lines. This new system promotes the accountability of lawmakers to the citizens they represent and helps reorient political parties from patronage to platforms, performance, and responsiveness.

USAID supports technical assistance to the Supreme Elections Tribunal and civil society to monitor elections. These two elements are key to achieving a peaceful, democratic, and representative political process. Technical assistance to the Supreme Elections Tribunal includes general elections management, logistical and technical support, poll worker training, and implementation of a preliminary results reporting system. USAID helps civil society partners to organize and implement monitoring of campaign finances, parallel vote tabulations and observe on Election Day, and also to advocate for further improvements in the electoral process.

The recent success of the 2008 primary election and the confidence generated through the disclosure of preliminary results, have enabled a relatively solid foundation for the 2009 general elections.