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Developing Democracy in Nepal (DDN) : 2006-2008

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)’s Developing Democracy in Nepal (DDN) Project is intended to respond to opportunities to support democratic processes in Nepal, particularly in connection with the election of a Constituent Assembly and drafting of a new constitution. It is designed to take into account the evolving situation on the ground, while being sensitive to the country’s complex post-conflict dynamics and efforts to build sustainable peace.

The Project is directive, with responsive components, allowing for flexibility in responding to demands for support. Given the short time frame, the project seeks, wherever possible, to use its resources to build on initiatives already conceptualized and/or underway and to augment local capacities to support democratic processes in the context of sustained peace. Specific steps will be taken to minimize the risk of providing support to partisan groups.

The DDN Project comprises two responsive facilities and a component of direct technical assistance support. The two responsive facilities are:

Developing Democracy in Nepal Responsive Facility - Canada (DDNRF-Canada):
Support sub projects submitted by Canadian organizations with a proven track record and established local partnerships in Nepal. The Canadian Executing Agency (CEAs) for 3 project implemented under this facility are CECI, Canadian Cooperative Association and Canadian Bar Association.

Developing Democracy in Nepal Responsive Facility - Nepal (DDNRF-Nepal):
Support sub projects submitted by Nepalese organizations with a proven track record and established capacities. Altogether 20 local organizations have been implementing projects under this facility.

The Expected Outcomes of the DDN project are:
1. Enhanced and informed participation by all sections of Nepali society, particularly women and socially excluded, in ongoing democratic processes leading to the election of a socially inclusive Constituent Assembly and drafting of a new constitution
2. Improved media coverage of constitution and democratic issues related to the upcoming election and drafting of the Constitution.
3. Increased capacity of election officials to conduct peaceful, inclusive, unbiased elections.

The DDN project focus on initiatives in areas such as civic education and outreach, media training, and local support for peaceful and transparent election processes; promote participatory and socially inclusive processes; encourage a high degree of local ownership; and demonstrate appropriate context and impact analysis. It supports innovative and creative proposals, particularly for working with women, rural communities, and marginalized groups. All sub-project activities supported under the Project are expected to adopt and actively promote the principles of gender equality, social inclusion, non-discrimination, and conflict sensitivity.

Technical Assistance in Support of Democracy in Nepal:
This component enables the project to respond to opportunities for support as they arise over the coming months. In particular, it will allow CIDA to:
>> Deliver expertise in such areas as democratic development, electoral processes, constitutional law, international human rights standards, etc., with a view to providing timely and professional advice to Nepal and its development partners;
>> Support topical multi-donor initiatives, roundtable events, training events and workshops that are organized locally; and
>> Contribute to a collaborative donor evaluation of this and other donor-supported projects in the sector.

Overall, the DDN project will provide CIDA with an important tool to support Nepal in its efforts to develop a sustainable democracy. It will capitalize on Canadian interest and capacity in the area of democratic development and build on local (Nepali) strengths to ensure sustainability of project interventions. The total fund for DDN is CAD 3.5 million.