Fostering Political Participation and Representation in Regional Organizations: A Case Study of ParlAmericas

2,389
This publication is only available in electronic format
Published: 
1 July 2013
Language: 
English
Pages: 
40
Author(s): 
Mathieu Tromme, Miguel Angel Lara Otaola

The Organization of American States is a regional organization supporting democracy, peace and security in the American continent. From the late 1990s, it backed the creation of a regional parliamentary association, the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas (FIPA), to help strengthen dialogue between national parliaments and foster the integration process.

In 2011, the 10th anniversary of FIPA coincided with a name change to ParlAmericas, together with a new communication campaign and strategic plan. Whilst the organization has been proactive in fostering interest in subjects of hemispheric concern (e.g. gender, conflict, migration etc.), it also faces important challenges. Besides expanding its membership base, ParlAmericas also needs to diversify its sources of funding.

This paper analyses the mandates and functions, as well as the strengths of and challenges faced by ParlAmericas, both from an institutional point of view, as well as from the perspective of fostering political participation and representation. It argues that more should be done to evaluate the real impact of this forum, particularly to understand how debates, activities and recommendations issued by ParlAmericas take shape in national parliaments.

Contents

Abstract

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

Introduction

Background

The Organization of American States

The Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas (ParlAmericas)

Democratic Credentials of ParlAmericas

ParlAmericas: Achievements and Challenges

Recommendations

Conclusions and Issues for Further Research

References

Annex

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Daniel Zovatto (second from left) during his presentation; to his right Margarita López Maya of the UCV: to his left, Rafael Fernández de Castro of ITAM; Sarah Chayez of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Arturo Valenzuela of the Covington and Burling. Photo credit: International IDEA.

International IDEA´s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean,​ Daniel Zovatto, (second from left) during his presentation; to his right Margarita López Maya of the UCV: to his left, Rafael Fernández de Castro of ITAM; Sarah Chayez of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Arturo Valenzuela of the Covington and Burling. Photo credit: International IDEA.

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