Since the downfall of the Stroessner regime in 1989, Paraguay has undergone dramatic political changes. In 1991, USAID assigned a full-time director to Paraguay . Democratic elections were held in 1991 to elect municipal and departmental officials for the first time in its history, and in 1993 to elect a new President and an opposition controlled Congress. A new Constitution was approved in 1992, and a new Supreme Court appointed in 1995. Significant progress has been made in the area of human rights since the pattern of repression that characterized the Stroessner regime. Political exiles were allowed to return; political parties were permitted to contest elections; media closed under the prior government were permitted to reopen; labor unions, long suppressed, enjoyed newfound rights; and political prisoners were released.
Local and national officials hold five-year terms. General and municipal elections are staggered and held approximately every two years. The Electoral Tribunal is constitutionally empowered to manage the electoral process. The creation of the Electoral Tribunal has been seen as a major step toward transparent electoral management. A new electoral law was promulgated in April 1996.
USAID/Paraguay has successfully completed its fiscal year 1997 - 2000 Strategic Plan. The Democracy Strategic Objective of improved responsiveness and accountability of key democratic institutions has been achieved. An effective Electoral Tribunal has demonstrated the ability to conduct three successful, democratic elections. The Tribunal received considerable support from civic organizations with voter education campaigns that involved the three main political parties. Local governments (departments and municipalities) now have an increased ability to generate and manage resources, are providing expanded services to citizens, have improved mechanisms for community participation in planning, and have established themselves in Paraguay's political system. Citizens have more access to a strengthened judicial system that has implemented important penal reforms; has the capacity to train judges, prosecutors, and public defenders; and is providing more information to citizens. In addition, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are taking some of the burden off of the formal court system.
The Environmental Special Objective of improved management of an expanded protected areas system has been attained through the development of public and private protected areas. Civil society and government officials are cooperating to manage these areas. More land has been added to the protected areas system, while viable economic alternatives to deforestation and loss of biological diversity have been developed.
The Population Special Objective of increased use of voluntary family planning services has been successfully implemented. Access to these services has been considerably expanded by providing outreach and information, education, and communication (IEC) through the press, radio, television, and theatrical performances. Training to health providers has improved the quality of family planning services throughout Paraguay . The sustainability of these programs has been advanced through reduced costs and increased efficiency. |
