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What's Being Done On . . . Using Advocacy to Achieve Democratic Reform?
Interview with Elisabeth Ungar of Congreso Visible (Colombia) Ms. Elisabeth Ungar is the Director of Congreso Visible, a research project of the department of Political Science at the Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia. Congreso Visible promotes citizen monitoring of Congress and citizen access to elected representatives. By making information on members of Congress available to citizens, Congreso Visible advocates for citizen participation in the decision-making process. Elisabeth Ungar is a member, and Secretary, of the World Movement's Steering Committee. Q: How was Congreso Visible formed, what was your role in its establishment, and what is the organization's overall mission? A: Congreso Visible has been supervising the Colombian Congress and promoting accountability among both legislators and citizens for seven years. Visible Candidates - Visible Congress (CV) was founded in 1997, shortly after the country had fallen into one of its biggest political and electoral crises in recent history. These events concerned a group of scholars at the University of Los Andes, including myself, who questioned the ethical and political suitability of the people that were being chosen to the legislative branch and the absence of mechanisms to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. We concluded that part of this problem was due to the lack of information available to Colombians on congressional candidates and incumbents. We came to believe that by strengthening the ties between citizens and their political leaders and increasing their knowledge of each other, it would become possible for all sectors of Colombian society to rebuild confidence in their institutions. CV is an organization dedicated to collecting, processing and disseminating information on candidates to Congress, as well as following up on the elected officials' performance while they are holding office. CV provides this information so that citizens can make better about who goes into congress; to make accurate, complete and impartial information available to journalists; and to give legislators the possibility of an alternative information source about themselves and their colleagues. Q: What are the most effective strategies and tactics used in your work in advocating for legislative reform? Please describe your methodology in a particular case/project. A: CV is home to the largest and most complete database on Congressional activity and candidates in the country. Unlike other information sources, CV offers this information free of charge to all members of Colombian society. CV provides scenarios where Congress members and candidates are able to reach citizens under equal conditions and all documents are the result of serious in-depth analysis of what is happening in the congressional arena. Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in advocating for changes in policies or procedures that has had a direct effect on legislative reform? A: After almost seven years, almost 70 percent of the members of the Colombian Congress periodically and voluntarily provide Congreso Visible with information about their legislative activities. This means that a nonpartisan project has enabled members of Congress to understand the importance of citizens knowing what elected officials do and are able to evaluate them. In addition, CV's Web page has become the most important source of information about the Colombian Congress. Q: What are some examples of the common challenges that advocacy groups face in promoting reform? A: Perhaps the most important challenge is to maintain the independence from both political parties and the government, as well as from particular economic interests. Additionally, it is important that more citizens have access to the information. These two elements are fundamental for creating, maintaining and increasing the credibility of a project like CV, both within legislatures and among citizens. Q: What are the most effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and effectively implementing your work? A: It is necessary to find the funds to assure the continuity of the program and guaranteeing its independence. Since many citizens still do not have access to the Internet, it is necessary to design alternative instruments and media to disseminate the information, such as public forums, newspapers, and the mass media in general. About "What's Being Done On . . . " For three months at a time, we highlight the activities of various organizations in different global regions, and links to important resources, that are focused on a particular theme or area of democracy work. Each new theme is announced via DemocracyNews, and the information from the previous installment is placed in the archives below. We hope to receive and post information about the work you or others may be doing that is focused on these issues. Send information via e-mail to the or by fax to (202) 378-9889. |
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