Democracy and Governance

By creating the environment for a more responsive government, USAID will provide opportunities for all citizens to benefit from an improved legal system characterized by greater accountability and transparency without regard to gender, race, religion, or ethnic background.

The current conditions for democracy and governance in Guatemala are challenging. The following facts provide a snapshot of the development challenges:

• Transparency International Index rating of 2.5 is an improvement over 2.2 rating in 2004
• Vast majority of citizens do not have effective representation in Congress and social organizations have little trust in the legislature
• Access to justice has improved recently but judicial performance remains inadequate
• Citizens see little positive impact of democratic institutions on their daily lives
• Crime and insecurity persist as the legacy of the country’s 36-year civil war -crime is growing at alarming rates and is a primary concern for citizens
• 125,000 gang members are estimated to operate in Guatemala
• In 2004, there were 122 attacks against human rights activists or groups reported
• Intra-family violence and violence against women is growing
• Women are underrepresented In the public sector where only 17% of ministers, 3% of mayors and 15% of governors are female
• Nearly 75% of the indigenous population is poor and racial discrimination against them is common and persistent

Though a challenge, this snapshot is an improvement over that of a decade ago. The 1996 Peace Accords triggered significant donor assistance, particularly from the United States, and many programs that built the social capital through institutions, participation, and enterprises, particularly among previously excluded rural indigenous populations. This assistance and these programs resulted in accomplishments, including:

• More than 3,000 ex-combatants incorporated into productive society
• More than 20,000 victims of torture and conflict received mental health services
• Over 240 houses were constructed for widows and orphans
• More than 25,000 land titles issued to farmers in ex-conflictive zones
• Over 300 land conflicts resolved
• Forensic anthropology foundation conducted more than 65 exhumations/inhumations with mental health services for war survivors and it is one of the most successful human rights and reconciliation efforts of its kind
• 16 justice centers and 15 mediation centers established in the 22 departments
• Municipal and community level councils established in 20 municipalities
• Registration of over 500,000 new voters for 2003 elections and increased voter participation to all- time high of 58% of registered voters
• Eight civil society coalitions worked with GOG in the areas of ethnic discrimination, public security, congressional strengthening and transparency

In its new strategy for 2004-2009, USAID/Guatemala is building on these and other gains. We expect that more responsive transparent governance will result in greater citizen confidence in state institutions, more effective performance by governments, broadened citizen access to information, more transparent budget processes, and equal justice for all under the law.

Our new strategy is designed to work in close collaboration with the Government of Guatemala, civil society organizations, and implementing partners to:

1. strengthen justice, and
2. ensure transparency and accountability of government.

Specific activities designed to strengthen justice include those that:

• improve transparency and efficiency of judicial processes;
• enhance effectiveness of crime prevention programs;
• increase use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms;
• improve prosecution of corruption cases; and
• continue exhumations and mental health services to further healing and reconciliation processes.

Progress toward this goal is measured by greater government effectiveness in policy formulation and implementation and improved judicial performance.

The four major justice sector institutions, the Public Ministry, Judiciary, Public Defense, and Ministry of the Interior, are key counterparts in USAID justice programs. Civil society organizations are key partners in applying pressure for improved performance and reform and in the “social auditing” or oversight role for these government institutions.

Specific activities designed to ensure greater transparency and accountability of government are those that will:

• build transparent governmental structures and control systems, as a means to help reduce corruption;
• increase devolution of responsibilities and resources to the local level, resulting in greater responsiveness by local governments to citizens’ needs;
• increase opportunities for citizen participation in and oversight of government decision-making; and
• establish accountability of elected and appointed officials.

The key counterparts in transparency and anti-corruption programs are the Anti-Corruption Commissioner’s Office and its Civil Society Advisory Board, civil society organizations, including those currently working with the Transparency Coalition, and principal entities such as the Comptroller General, Congressional oversight committees, and the Office of the Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption. (See Quick Link to GoG Website on Transparency)

In the area of decentralization/local governance, key counterparts are local organizations that deliver technical assistance and training, municipal associations, presidential secretariats and commissioners, the National Municipal Development Institute (INFOM), as well as selected local governments and their community, municipal, and departmental councils. The Board of Directors of Congress and the Modernization Committee are the primary counterparts for the USAID congressional strengthening program, which includes support to improve management capacity within Congress.

USAID is cultivating private sector partners to form strategic alliances and leverage resources.

(See Where We Work for summary of programs, activities, partners and counterparts. See Quick Links -column at the left- for summary of programs, activities, partners and counterparts.)