Inter-American Democratic Charter A collective mechanism to defend and promote representative democracy July 14 th, 2011

Index General context A quick historical overview Main elements of the Charter Most recent examples of the application of the Inter-American Democratic Charter Reform proposals of the Charter

Context Regional: 10 th Anniversary UNASUR’s commitment with democracy Mercosur’s democratic clause Global: Arab spring

Landmarks OAS Charter (1948): Promote and consolidate representative democracy (Art. 2) Fifth Consultation Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (1959) Protocol of Cartagena de Indias (1985): representative democracy as requirement for stability, peace and development

Landmarks Resolution 1080 (1991): introduced mechanisms to address threatening situations for democratic stability Washington Protocol (1992): introduced sanctions Between : 9 interrupted presidencies + 1 destabilization attempt Resolution 1080 invoked in 6 cases

Inter-American Democratic Charter Four relevant components: Provides broad definition of democracy Identifies essential elements of representative democracy Outlines a series of collective actions and sanctions Defensive/Reactive approach + Preventive/Promotional approach

Inter-American Democratic Charter Effectiveness: Peaceful resolution of 8 political crisis Preventive measures in 4 destabilizing situations

Defensive Capacity Reforming the Charter – Broaden the number of actors – Battery of measures Without reforming the Charter – Clear and precise definition of threats – Enhance the SG’s capacity to act preventively instead of reactively – Increase information and discussion in the PC

Promotional Capacity Electoral cooperation and observation missions (Chapter V) Effective Public Management Anti-corruption, transparency and accountability Democratic principles and practices Women’s political participation and economic autonomy

Promotional Capacity Human Rights – Provide support to Member States in strengthening Human Rights Follow-up Mechanism on the implementation of the Inter-American Democratic Charter

Inter-American Democratic Charter A collective mechanism to defend and promote representative democracy July 14 th, 2011