Strengthening Accountability Networks Among Civil Society: A Path to Combat Corruption and Promote Democratic Responsibility
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Feb 29, 2024
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Strengthening Accountability Networks Among Civil Society: A Path to Combat Corruption and Promote Democratic Responsibility
Introduction:
The Strengthening Accountability Networks among Civil Society (SANCUS) project aims to promote greater democratic accountability of public institutions worldwide by empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) to demand systemic change in addressing accountability gaps and combating corruption. This project spans 21 countries over a period of 36 months, targeting common deficiencies in accountability and anti-corruption efforts. By addressing both the supply and demand sides of accountability, SANCUS seeks to address challenges such as lack of integrity in public institutions, weak rule of law, weak checks and balances, shrinking civic space, and limited public participation in decision-making.
Deficiencies in Accountability and Anti-Corruption Efforts:
On the supply side of accountability, deficiencies include a lack of integrity in public institutions and weaknesses in oversight institutions. These deficiencies often occur in environments with a fragile rule of law, making it difficult to enforce formal laws. Countries participating in the SANCUS project face challenges such as clientelism networks, dark political party financing, unresolved conflicts of interest, undue influence, and misuse of state resources.
On the demand side, accountability initiatives led by CSOs face increasing challenges due to the shrinking civic space and exclusion of affected communities from political and budgetary processes. The blurred line between the public and private sphere in clientelistic environments undermines the ability of formal institutions to enforce integrity rules and distribute public goods impartially. Furthermore, a fragile rule of law enables those in power to divert public funds and misuse state assets for personal gain.
The Role of SANCUS in Strengthening Accountability:
SANCUS aims to empower national CSOs to address their specific needs and limitations by leveraging the knowledge, skills, and resources of their peers in the SANCUS network and other spaces. The project adopts a two-pronged approach to improve democratic accountability:
- 1. Vertical accountability: SANCUS focuses on strengthening citizen-led accountability mechanisms, as an increasingly aware citizenry demands their rights and monitors the performance of duty-bearers.
- 2. Horizontal accountability: SANCUS aims to empower national CSOs to pressure horizontal accountability mechanisms by engaging and cooperating with oversight institutions to examine duty-bearers.
SANCUS also utilizes digital tools to enhance advocacy, monitoring, legal protection, and citizen mobilization. The goal is to capitalize on digital tools where information is digitized and factors such as internet access, digital literacy, and security risks allow for their effective use.
Expected Impact of SANCUS:
SANCUS' support for CSOs is expected to contribute to strengthening democratic accountability through various forms of civic participation, including monitoring, consultations, and advocacy campaigns to curb corruption and rights violations. The project aims to protect and expand the enabling environment for CSOs and citizens to demand accountability from duty-bearers, providing greater opportunities to exercise their rights.
At a deeper socioeconomic level, SANCUS seeks to strengthen agency by incorporating informal coalitions to demand greater accountability from the government while reducing incentives and opportunities for corruption. Politically and technically, SANCUS aims to identify best practices and regulatory obstacles that hinder closer engagement between officials and citizen groups. By focusing on public office holders and duty-bearers, SANCUS aims to enhance long-term accountability on the supply side. The project also aims to assert the independence of oversight institutions from interference and executive influence, enabling them to fulfill their constitutional mandates.
Conclusion:
To strengthen accountability networks among civil society and combat corruption, it is crucial to address deficiencies in both the supply and demand sides of accountability. The SANCUS project empowers CSOs and citizens to engage with public officials, demand democratic accountability, and utilize digital tools for advocacy and monitoring. By leveraging the collective knowledge and resources of CSOs in the SANCUS network, the project aims to foster a culture of accountability and promote greater democratic responsibility.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Foster collaboration: CSOs should collaborate and share knowledge to address common accountability challenges. By leveraging collective expertise, organizations can develop more effective strategies and initiatives.
- 2. Utilize digital tools: CSOs should harness digital tools to enhance advocacy, monitoring, and citizen mobilization. Digital platforms provide opportunities for broader reach, information dissemination, and organizing collective action.
- 3. Engage with oversight institutions: CSOs should actively engage with oversight institutions to strengthen horizontal accountability mechanisms. By cooperating with these institutions, CSOs can exert pressure on duty-bearers and contribute to a more robust system of checks and balances.
In conclusion, strengthening accountability networks among civil society is crucial for promoting democratic responsibility and combating corruption. The SANCUS project's focus on both the supply and demand sides of accountability, along with its emphasis on digital tools and collaboration, offers promising avenues for fostering greater accountability and citizen empowerment. By working together, CSOs and citizens can drive systemic change and ensure that public institutions are held to account.
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