Coalitions for Democracy in El Salvador and Nicaragua

In recent years, several countries in Central America have experienced significant democratic backsliding. Pretexts such as law and order and security, and promises of freedom, have been used to justify concentration of power in the executive branch, undermining of political opposition, attacks on judicial independence, militarization of public security, censorship of media and criminalization of human rights defenders.

This project investigates the democratic backsliding underway in Central America, with El Salvador and Nicaragua as two case studies, to identify effective strategies for communities to defend democratic norms and the rule of law. It aims to generate evidence-based insights to assist civil society, policymakers and international actors to effectively reinforce democratic institutions and protect vibrant civic spaces in the region and beyond.

The research will focus on tactics as well as narratives used to legitimize the concentration of power and attacks on democratic norms, institutions and processes. Expected outcomes include new methods for communities to engage; regional initiatives that build the demand for democracy and resist false narratives that promote the consolidation of power; educational workshops at the grassroots level that develop positive narratives on what democracy entails and how it can work for all; and manuals, guides, reports and policy briefs for public dissemination.

Strengthening democratic resilience within these countries and the wider region can lead to greater stability and economic progress, which in turn can provide increased individual security, respect for fundamental human rights and a viable social compact between government and the population it represents and to whom it is responsible.