Assisting legislatures in developing countries : a framework for program planning and implementation

This report synthesizes the results of those studies and outlines a framework for future programming. Individual sections of the report examine: the diverse program approaches adopted by USAID as well as the most frequent categories of assistance; the importance of the legislature"s function and political context; assistance objectives; host country partners; and lessons learned. The studies found that each of the country programs were well-conceived and -implemented and helped to improve legislative performance. However, legislatures are the most political of governmental institutions, and the electoral process, shifts in institutional leadership, and sudden social or cultural changes can weaken or even nullify the efforts of donors. Many with extensive experience in the development arena hesitate to get involved in this type of assistance, reflecting a longstanding donor aversion to entanglement in politics. For these reasons, legislative assistance may be ill-suited for some USAID missions and other donors. The studies suggest a framework to help practitioners determine a legislature"s suitability for assistance. (1) At the planning stage, seek and maintain broad-based support, remember that countries with established democratic legislature are generally more open to assistance than those in failed or pre-democratic states, and consider using pilot activities in testing a country"s receptivity to assistance. (2) At the design stage, examine the legislature"s needs holistically, being careful to address the role of legislators and staff, the legislature"s relationship with other branches of government and with the public, and providing training in the use of computer equipment when it been supplied. Also, emphasize enhancement of the legislature"s role in the budget process, provide training in the United States and neighboring countries with similar legislatures, and support the legislature"s partners, such as advocacy and public awareness groups, since they are critical to the legislature"s transparency and responsiveness. (3) In the area of management, use low-key, nonpartisan approaches to minimize risks in politically sensitive situations, distribute benefits (e.g., training, travel, and equipment) evenly among parties and factions, modify program strategy or activities based on periodic assessments of progress and risks, establish an independent internal analytical capability, and challenge existing attitudes that undermine an effective democratic legislature.