Democratic initiatives project

Interim evaluation covers the period 1992-6/94. Despite political uncertainties in Cambodia, the evaluation concludes that important and positive efforts have begun, and USAID support should be continued. Efforts should focus on the rule of law, political pluralism, economic liberalization, and workers" rights (where the project has achieved significant success). Efforts to strengthen political parties (which have been relatively fluid and undefined since the election) should be reduced until prior to the next general elections. Activities carried out by The Asia Foundation"s (TAF) activities were generally less than fully successful during the first year, prior to elections and the installation of the government, a period when TAF"s activities were managed offshore. Since the government was installed and responsibility for the grant has been shifted to TAF"s Cambodian office, significant progress has occurred. TAF"s activities include support for the National Assembly, rule of law, judicial functioning, and economic liberalization. Activities undertaken by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) leading up to the 9/93 election were appropriate and successful. However, since the election, NDI and IRI programs have been less than well-defined. Both institutions have suffered high turnover and had administrative problems related to lines of authority and responsibility between themselves and their Cambodian offices. It is recommended that support for a full-time Cambodian presence of NDI and IRI be discontinued, and that their grants be allowed to lapse. Support for NDI and IRI should be reconsidered when the next national election approaches. Key action decisions are to extend the PACD 2 years to 9/99 and double project funding; continue and expand the assistance provided to the Ministry of Labor by the Asian-American Free Labor Institute (AAFLI); and add several activities in the provinces. The latter will include a small business training program in Battambang and perhaps Kompong Som provinces; a nationwide provincial court reform project; and support for constituent outreach offices of the National Assembly and of provincial offices of the Cambodian League for Human Rights (LICADHO).