NDI Ecuador: Past Programs

Overview

Based in its global experience, in 2002, at the request of several Ecuadorian civil society organizations, NDI established a field office in Quito. Then, it assisted Ecuadorian civic leaders and observation groups to develop a national non governmental organization, named Citizen Participation (Participación Ciudadana). With NDI technical assistance, Citizen Participation organized for de first time a national electoral observation in Ecuador with almost 4000 citizens monitoring the presidential elections of 2002. This initiative set the base for consolidation of a national network for nonpartisan volunteers. The network is an important advantage to respond to critical topics confronting Ecuadorian democracy. In addition, PCE's youth volunteer network encouraged nationwide dialogue and participation in the country's first citizen education campaign on punctuality, uniting coastal and highland Ecuadorians alike. This respected civic organization pursues to inspire citizens to strengthen and to participate in Ecuadorian democracy.

NDI opened a field office in Quito and drew on its global experience with domestic monitoring groups to assist the newly formed group, Citizen Participation Ecuador (Participación Ciudadana Ecuador-PCE)

This initiative laid the groundwork for the consolidation of a national volunteer network. The network is an important asset in addressing critical issues facing Ecuadorian democracy, such as promoting dialogue and fostering broad-based citizen participation and governmental accountability.

This highly respected civic organization continues to inspire citizens to strengthen and participate in Ecuador’s democracy. In 2006, NDI re-established a field office in Ecuador to help political organizations with reform efforts, to develop platforms on key issues of national concern and to encourage cooperation between political and civil society organizations. NDI has partnered with numerous political and civic organizations to promote inclusive dialogue nationwide and party reform efforts.