Canadian Electoral Support Program in Latin America and the Caribbean

This project aims to improve enjoyment of human rights including the poorest and most marginalized people particularly women in legitimate and transparent electoral processes that are aligned with international standards in Latin American and the Caribbean. The Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO) aims to address two major challenges related to electoral processes; (1) strengthening the institutional capacities of electoral bodies to achieve more effective and inclusive administration of electoral processes; and (2) reinforcing the role of civil society in electoral processes and oversight including women’s rights organizations. DECO supports the work of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) to implement electoral technical cooperation initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Project activities include: (1) Electoral Management Bodies training; (2) systematization of electoral observation missions’ recommendations; (3) workshops on disinformation practices; (4) civic education on women and girls’ participation in electoral practices; and (5) training sessions to civil society organizations on electoral observation methodologies.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved performance of electoral management bodies to better do their jobs while making it easier for women and the poorest most vulnerable people to vote; (2) increased opportunities for individuals and civil society to equitably participate in oversight of electoral processes particularly women’s rights organizations; and (3) improved awareness of approximately 120 electoral management bodies officials and legislative authorities; 230 women’s rights and civil society organizations researchers academics and university students; and 120 women (candidates civil society members election officials) on violence against women in electoral processes.