Democracy and Governance

USAID has provided assistance to ensure the long-term viability of Georgia's democratic transition.  Democracy and Governance priorities have been to encourage national and local level government reform; support free, fair, and competitive elections; bolster the political party system and the institution of Parliament; advance the rule of law; foster broader public participation in political life; and promote the integration of national minorities.

Public Administration Reform
Academy for Educational Development (AED)
Sept. 2006 - Nov. 2009
http://www.aed.org/

This project in collaboration with its partner civil society organizations (CSOs), assists selected government institutions in developing institutional capability and improving systems for provision of citizen services. It helps improve institutional accountability through better communication and greater civil society involvement in institutional strategic planning processes. The project also assists the Government of Adjara in improving strategic planning and bringing civil society into the planning process.

Parliamentary Strengthening Project
National Democratic Institute (NDI)
Aug. 2006 - Aug. 2009
http://www.ndi.org/

This project focuses on improving the human and institutional capacity of Parliament, and strengthening the ability of Members of Parliament and parliamentary party caucuses to engage one another within an environment of constructive policy debate. 

Political Party Development Project
International Republican Institute (IRI)
May 2007 - May 2010
http://www.iri.org.ge/

This project works to strengthen political parties in Georgia by: enhancing policy development and articulation; strengthening parties' organizational capacity and links to society; encouraging issue-based coalition building (opposition); supporting issue-based inter-party dialogue and debate; and strengthening capacity of Georgian educational institutions, think-tanks, and NGOs to provide training and advice to political parties.

"No" to Trafficking in Persons and Domestic Violence
Georgian Young Lawyers Association
Sept. 2005 - Nov. 2009
www.gyla.ge

This project is helping the Government of Georgia to draft anti-trafficking (A-TIP) and anti-domestic violence (DV) legislation in order to protect potential victims. Namely, the project focuses on developing an A-TIP and DV referral mechanism and supports establishment of shelters for both TIP and DV victims.  The project also carries out a media campaign to raise awareness about trafficking and domestic violence. The project provides free-of-charge legal aid to victims of trafficking and domestic violence. 

Georgia Rule of Law Project
RIGHTS Consortium - ABA/ROLI
Dec. 2006 - Dec. 2009
http://www.abarol.ge/

The project addresses four needs in Georgia:  1) judicial institutional strengthening including judicial education and enforcement of judgments; 2) the needs of the legal profession including legal education reform; 3) human rights including gender issues; and, 4) anti-corruption.  The activity also provides limited assistance to the judiciary in terms of judicial examinations, disciplinary procedures and ethics legislation reform.  The project will work with the Supreme Court to assist it in implementing the Law on Magistrates, including reviewing jurisdiction issues, establishing policies and procedures for the magistrates courts, and conducting training.   

Judicial Administrative and Management Reform Project
DPK Consulting
Sept. 2007 - Sep. 2011
www.dpkconsulting.com

This project responds to the judiciary's need for improved court administration and case management.  The project assists to improve the quality and timeliness of judicial decision making, improve court practices, provide the equipment necessary for court administrative staff to process cases in a timely and efficient manner, and improve public access, services, use, and understanding of the courts and their facilities.

National Integration and Tolerance in Georgia
UN Association of Georgia  (UNAG)
July 2006 - July 2010
www.una.ge

This project assists the Government of Georgia to elaborate a unified strategy and action plan to accomplish the goal of national integration and promote tolerance. The program also empowers people and organizations to effectively discuss, debate, and resolve a range of issues related to building a cohesive multi-ethnic nation by supporting related media and grants activities. 

Elections Support
International Foundation for Elections Systems (IFES)
Sept. 2007 - Nov. 2009
www.ifes.org/georgia

This project worked to increase the capacity of the the Central Election Commission, contributed to improving voter lists, enagaging civil society, promoting adequate voter turnaround, voter education, and political competition including television debates and roundtable discussions, thus contributing to a more balanced representation of political interests during the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2008. Currently this project addresses issues of electoral legal and systemic reform by conducting roundtables and engaging technical specialists from each of the political parties, representatives of civil society and electoral commission.

Internet Access and Training Program
International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX)
Aug. 2006 - Dec. 2009
www.irex.ge

By creating an electronic link for civil society organizations, media, and community members (through its five internet centers), the project establishes a forum for ideas, cultivates social dialogue, and supports local initiatives.  The activity provides training courses on computer skills as well as unique opportunities for communities to communicate directly with key policy makers in Georgia. 

Notwithstanding progress on democratization since the Rose Revolution, Georgia has work to do, and the events of the fall of 2007 signaled several areas for improvement.  Large segments of the Georgian public expressed serious dissatisfaction during protest rallies in September, October, and November.  This dissatisfaction stemmed from a combination of continuing poverty and unemployment, a sense the Georgian government had grown disconnected from certain segments of society, and frustration over a political system that seemed to be structured to prevent the development of a vibrant opposition.  Georgia's challenge now is to build strong democratic institutions and processes to match its commitment to economic and governance reform.  

Improved Public Policy Discourse
Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA)
Tbilisi Business Service Center
Partnership for Social Initiatives
Sept. 2009 - June 2011
http://www.gipa.ge/
http://www.tbsc.ge/
http://www.psigeorgia.org/

The program's objective is to enhance the dialogue between the government and civil society by engaging think tanks, the media and other nongovernmental institutions in conducting issue-based analysis and sharing information and approaches with the Government of Georgia and the public. Thee grants to local NGOs have been awarded which will aim to foster a more pluralistic exchange of ideas and to promote more active involvement in public policy discussions. 

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