Observer missions also can play a role in established democracies. Strengthening Democracy Post-election projects by LACP staff aim to strengthen people s confidence in a democratic way of life. These include encouraging dialogue to resolve outstanding conflicts and overcome polarization, building coalitions between governments and civil society organizations to tackle pressing problems, refining nascent electoral processes, promoting press freedoms, and establishing channels for public input into governmental policymaking and economic planning. After monitoring Nicaragua s first democratic election in 1990, the LACP helped forge consensus on steps to resolve property disputes arising from the expropriation of land in the 1980s. In Panama , the LACP participated in summits with diverse social and political leaders to discuss national priorities and improve communication in the new democracy.
Interventions can even take place after an election to help keep democracy on course.
The team successfully negotiated the departure of Haiti s military leaders and the return to office of democratically elected President Jean-Bertrande Aristide, averting a U.S. military invasion. In October 2000, the conference Challenges to Democracy in the Americas brought together current and former heads of state, scholars, businesspeople, and civil society representatives to the Center. Refer to our I nternational Activities page to learn more about the Center's activities in other countries. To read vitae of other LACP staff or email the program, access the LACP staff page.