OAS and CAF support strengthening of Bolivian democracy

José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and Enrique Garcia, President & CEO of the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), today signed in Washington a technical cooperation agreement for US$119,500 to support the Facilitation Mission for the Constituent Assembly Process, in the framework of the Support Program for Strengthening the Bolivian Democratic System, as an essential element for the transition, development and democratic stability of the Republic of Bolivia.

The OAS Secretary General expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the agreement which reflects, once again, the close ties of cooperation between the two organizations in accompanying their member states, particularly the Bolivian government and people, in transcendent processes for democratic development. Insulza reaffirmed the commitment of the OAS General Secretariat to work jointly with CAF in the Andean area, describing this region as the backbone for the stability and strengthening of the democratic system in the hemisphere.

Garcia said that CAF support is part of the objectives of the renewed agenda for sustainable development and regional integration which the multilateral organization is promoting to support the process, strengthening and consolidation of democratic governance in the countries of the region, with a view to overcoming the absence of consensus, and solid and effective leaderships, in an effort to combat the increase of poverty, inequality and lack of confidence of peoples in the ethics and capacity of the governments.

With these cooperation funds, CAF is supporting the OAS General Secretariat in its actions related to the Facilitation Mission for the Constituent Assembly Process in activities such as seminars, publications and advice from international experts.

These actions focus on supporting the appropriate national bodies with advice on the preparation and discussion of the Special Law to Convoke the Constituent Assembly; on the generation and strengthening of channels for dialogue and consensus; and on the exchange of information and comparative experiences from similar constituent processes. During this work, the OAS General Secretariat will promote the coordination of international cooperation for the process with the objective of facilitating integrated support and avoiding duplication of efforts.

Support for the Bolivian Democratic System

The OAS General Secretariat, at the request of the government of the Republic of Bolivia, will offer an integrated accompaniment to the Constituent Assembly process. For this, the OAS has prepared a Support Program for Strengthening the Bolivian Democratic System, which includes a technical presence in the country for about two years to cooperate with national bodies on the convening, preparation, installation, functioning and follow-up of the Constituent Assembly.

The Support Program comprises four components, spanning the stage prior to negotiation of the Convening Law to the stage after approval of the new Constitution. In the first component, CAF will support the OAS General Secretariat in the first line of action which relates to the Facilitation Mission for the Constituent Assembly Process.