[Completed, Regional] SANCUS Panama: Evaluation of the Role of Oversight Role of the National Assembly

Status: Completed

Duration: 01.07.2021-30.11.2023

Funding instrument: European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR)

Overall objective in Panama: To assess the role and capacities of the National Assembly of Panama as an organ of control and oversight of the other branches of government, to advocate for institutional strengthening and more effective citizen participation.

Specific objectives in Panama:

1. Develop an assessment tool based on 93 indicators to analyse oversight in six key areas: priority, formal powers, oversight opportunities for the opposition, financial oversight, implementation of laws and inter-institutional relations.
2. Create networks of citizens and civil society organisations to advocate for improvements in oversight.
3. Increase public awareness of oversight processes and opportunities for participation through events, workshops and campaigns.

Implementing entity in Panama: Fundación para el Desarrollo de la Libertad Ciudadana, Capítulo Panameño de Transparencia Internacional (FDLC-TI Panama).

Results in Panama:

1. Publication of the results of the evaluation of the audit of the National Assembly.
2. Proposals for improvement based on the research findings.
3. Strengthening the network of organisations and citizens advocating for greater oversight.
4. Increased level of citizen participation and knowledge about the role of the National Assembly in oversight.

Target audiences/beneficiaries in Panama:

• Panamanian citizens
• Civil society organisations and community groups
• Deputies and authorities of the National Assembly
• Panamanian institutions such as the Comptroller's Office and the Ombudsman's Office (Contraloría y la Defensoría del Pueblo)

Activities carried out in Panama:

1. Evaluation of the National Assembly's oversight practices through 93 indicators
2. Organisation of events and workshops to increase citizen participation
3. Development of a technology platform to share research results
4. Conducting communication campaigns to promote knowledge about oversight
5. Presentation of the results of the project SANCUS-Panama: Towards Effective and Participatory Oversight (28 July 2023)
6. Publication of the Panama 2023 Executive Report
7. Publication of the Recommendations Panama Parliamentary Oversight Assessment Tool 2023