Program Data Sheet
517-003
USAID MISSION: Dominican Republic
PROGRAM TITLE: Democracy Consolidation and Better Governance (Pillar: Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance)
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE AND NUMBER: More Participatory, Representative and Better Functioning Democracy Achieved; 517-003
STATUS: Continuing
PLANNED FY 2002 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $700,000 (DA)
PRIOR YEAR UNOBLIGATED AND FUNDING SOURCE: $0
PROPOSED FY 2003 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $0
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003
Summary: The Democracy and Governance program is made up of three components:
- creating support for more genuine and competitive electoral processes through civil society;
- strengthening the judicial sector's ability to administer the rule of law and enhanced public sector anti-corruption systems and respect for human rights; and
- strengthening civic participation in democratic processes by developing a better-informed and more active civil society.
Inputs, Outputs and Activities: FY 2002 Program: FY 2002 is the final year for which USAID requests resources under this program. DA funds are enabling civil society to focus on and participate in election preparation and observation for 2002 congressional and municipal elections. FY 2002 ESF funds will enable USAID to provide technical assistance to help civil society and the Dominican Government begin implementing a national anti-corruption program.
Planned FY 2003 Program: USAID does not plan to obligate additional funds under this Strategic Objective in FY 2003.
Performance and Results: USAID technical assistance and grants to civil society democracy advocacy partners have been an important breakwater to a recent wave of anti-democratic, counter-reform measures. In 2001, counter-reformists in Congress attempted to pass a constitutional amendment | USAID-assisted civil society organizations are participating on a national level to create more genuine and competitive electoral processes. |
to extend the term of current legislators and municipal authorities beyond the constitutional mandate. Other counter-reform machinations included attempts to forestall implementation of an open-slate election system, as well as implementation of new electoral districts in the 2002 congressional/municipal elections. USAID's primary civil society partner created societal consensus for implementation of these key electoral reforms. In July 2001, the Dominican Central Electoral Board issued a resolution ordering electoral districts to be implemented in the 2002 election. These redistricting reforms will make the Dominican Congress more representative.
Building on earlier USAID assistance, the Dominican Judiciary extended modern administrative models and procedures to jurisdictions outside the Santo Domingo pilot program area. The Judicial School -- founded with USAID assistance -- is considered one of the leading institutions of its type in Latin America. Access to justice for the poor increased as the state-funded Public Defense system grew from three offices and 14 public defenders in 1999, to 13 offices in ten municipalities and more than 40 public defenders assigned nationwide. The Attorney General's Department for Prevention of Corruption has begun implementing a rigorous anti-corruption strategy and plan developed with USAID technical assistance. USAID has also provided training assistance for Controller General auditors in conducting corruption and fraud audits. The Department for Prevention of Corruption and the Controller General auditors are now increasingly active and successful in prosecuting major anti-corruption cases of both the former and current administrations.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID civil society initiatives are implemented under grants to Participación Ciudadana and the Fundación Institucionalidad y Justicia, each leading the efforts of broader civil society coalitions. Participacion Ciudadana held workshops on electoral matters in collaboration with the International Foundation for Elections Systems, the National Democratic Institute, and the Carter Center. Rule of Law activities are implemented by Management Sciences for Development and Environmental International. Casal's is implementing anti-corruption activities.
US Financing in Thousands of Dollars
|
517-003 More Participatory, Representative and Better Functioning Democracy Achieved | DA | ESF
|
|---|
|
Through September 30, 2000 |
| Obligations | 18,286 | 8,711 |
| Expenditures | 16,543 | 2,952 |
| Unliquidated | 1,743 | 5,759 |
|
Fiscal Year 2001
|
| Obligations | 3,400 | 3,488 |
| Expenditures | 3,389 | 1,719 |
|
Through September 30, 2001 |
| Obligations | 21,686 | 12,199 |
| Expenditures | 19,932 | 4,671 |
| Unliquidated | 1,754 | 7,528 |
|
Prior Year Unobligated Funds |
| Obligations | 0 | 0 |
|
Planned Fiscal Year 2002 NOA |
| Obligations | 700 | 0 |
|
Total Planned Fiscal Year 2002
|
| Obligations | 700 | 0 |
|
Proposed Fiscal Year 2003 NOA |
| Obligations | 0 | 0 |
| Future Obligations | 0 | 0 |
| Est. Total Cost | 22,386 | 12,199 |
|
