Democracy and Governance

usaid/dr collaborates in achieving a More Participatory, Representative and Accountable Democracy

• Total Planned Contribution: $30 million

USAID’s goal is to help Dominican civil society and government institutions evolve into a modern democracy that serves its people equitably and effectively. Thus, USAID has three main focus areas in democracy and governance:  to improve the electoral process and encourage greater accountability of elected officials; to assist governing institutions and civil society’s efforts to ensure that those who govern do so in a transparent, equitable, and judicious manner; and to strengthen the justice system and safeguard citizens rights and liberties, especially those of the poor.  We believe that a better informed and active citizenry will demand more from those elected; those elected by constituents will have incentives to meet those obligations; and, in turn, the citizenry will have the power to vote for change. As these events occur, the Dominican Republic will have a more participatory, representative and accountable democracy. 

More Representative and Effective Electoral and Political Process

USAID provides assistance to ensure that Congressional and Presidential elections are free of fraud and without major political crisis. Also, USAID assists with the reform and strengthening of the Dominican electoral system through a process stimulated and guided by organized civil society. In addition, USAID supports civil society advocacy efforts to enact a set of laws that will bring about a better regulated party system and provide a solid framework for a more participatory and accountable government at the national and municipal level. Simultaneously, USAID assistance supports civil society to help reform and democratize the political parties and increase transparency and accountability of elected public officials.   

Increased Transparency of Public Administration

USAID’s anti-corruption assistance includes support to bring the legal framework in compliance with the requirements of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption (IACC), which the Dominican Republic has ratified. USAID strengthens civil society participation in the development, adoption, and oversight of the legal framework and in advocating for more transparent governance.  Also, USAID supports policy reforms in public procurement, access to government information, and budget transparency. 

More Effective and Fair Criminal Justice System

USAID works to strengthen capacity of justice institutions (Courts, Office of the Public Defender and the Public Ministry) to improve efficiency and service delivery for Dominicans. Institution strengthening activities include performance evaluation, in-service skills training and training of new recruits, streamlining of administrative processes, monitoring of implementation of the new Criminal Procedures Code, and introduction of an oral, adversarial criminal justice system. Activities added in FY05 will improve the transparency of sector institutions by strengthening internal inspection offices and encouraging better public access to information.  Increasing access to justice for the poor will be achieved through the creation and strengthening of Public Defense services, legal education and assistance, and the establishment of constitutional justice and alternative dispute mechanisms.  Policy and legal framework improvements are advanced through support to civil society partners and government officials to draft and pass reform oriented legislation. USAID is also working with civil society partners to increase and sustain the demand and advocacy for judicial reform to consolidate the justice system in the Dominican Republic.