Legislative strengthening in El Salvador

The project, which is scheduled to end in 10/96, has met its goals. Seminars and workshops, study tours to foreign legislatures, information resources, and added staff have increased deputies' knowledge of their jobs, the legislative process, and the legislature's relationship with the executive and judicial branches. As a result, the Assembly's deliberations have become more thoughtful and its relations with other branches of government more substantive. Infrastructure improvements, such as additional offices, have enabled many members to work more efficiently and meet with constituents for the first time. A public awareness campaign has sparked growing citizen interest in the Assembly and increased contacts between constituents and members. As a result of the project, Assembly members have increased their influence in El Salvador's transition from authoritarian rule to democratic governance. The Assembly has become a leading forum for debating national issues and exchanging ideas from all political perspectives, and is an emerging model of compromise, accommodation, and consensus building -- essential elements of the democratic process. The project has faced some hurdles -- chiefly, persuading the dominant party of the wisdom of sharing its power with other groups. Other problems have included underutilization of some resources (especially the library and the computers) and high turnover among legislative analysts hired under the project (in part due to tension with staff who had been there longer). Further, most bills still originate with the executive body, oversight is weak, and sometimes legislation passed needs to be revised due to flaws stemming from still-insufficient staff and deputies' inexperience. In some instances, progress has been slow simply because democratic principles and processes are new to the Assembly. Lessons learned include the importance of taking into account the country's commitment to democracy, along with its political, social, and economic situation. Other factors key to success are garnering support from key political leaders and providing a broad mix of assistance that benefits as many as possible. The Salvadoran experience reinforced the importance of focusing on reforming the legislature to ensure that its operations embody the nation's commitment to democratic change. Bolstering the relationship of the legislature with civil society groups and the media, and challenging attitudes and beliefs that undermine an effective democratic legislature are also critical. (Author abstract)