Democratic and electoral processes

The project will: (1) promote citizen involvement in democratic and electoral processes; (2) strengthen the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (SET); and (3) provide for observation of the 3/94 general election. The first component, to be implemented by an institutional contractor, will expand the activities of selected nonpartisan civic groups involved in promoting voter education and participation. Prior to the 3/94 elections, support will be provided to a small number of groups able to operate in a neutral manner with tolerance for opposing points of view. Criteria for selecting the groups will include commitment to democracy and potential for national coverage of or outreach to women, youth, or rural dwellers. Focus will be on voter education and mobilization activities, including, inter alia, newspaper ads, TV and radio spots, door-to-door registration, organizational links to achieve a multiplier effect, and voter guides outlining candidates and issues. Civic groups will receive training on such topics as use of the media, advocacy, how to stage neutral debates and conduct public meetings. Media will be trained in objective reporting, polling techniques, objective staging of debates, etc. After the elections, this component will shift its focus to support issue awareness and advocacy activities through an expanded group of 12-14 civic groups. Groups will be encouraged to submit proposals for funding of debates, roundtable discussions, workshops, media projects, and other fora to stimulate open discussion of important issues. Quantitative targets for this component include: (1) registration of 200,000 new voters; (2) extension of voter education programs to 25% of the voting population; and (3) more frequent public debates between citizen groups and elected officials. Assistance to SET will be provided by the Center for Election Assistance and Promotion (CAPEL) and will fall into two categories: electoral preparation and institution building. The preparation activity will include definition of needs for updating civil and electoral registries, computer support for the registration and documentation process, and manuals and training for pollworkers. Institutional strengthening activities will help SET develop a master institutional plan, define staff responsibilities, and update its administrative manuals and financial procedures. SET staff will visit electoral institutions in other countries and receive inservice training and TA and training on such topics as voter registration, electoral documentation and equipment, ballot counts, and administrative issues. Finally, the project will partially finance two or three delegations from U.S. PVO"s to observe the 3/94 elections and make an objective assessment of the electoral process. If possible, the PVO"s will visit all 14 departments of the country, to detect, record, and report electoral anomalies.