Promoting good governance:
creating conditions for a sustainable peace

Although formal negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front resumed in early 2004, the conditions for a lasting peace are lacking. The credibility of political and electoral process is vital for the future stability of the Philippines and this was seriously tainted by the May 2004 elections, which were deeply divisive and based on personality politics and patronage.

There will be no move from violence to serious political dialogue without a responsive, credible and accountable governance structure. Any agreements arising from the dialogue process will not last without an appropriate strategy to improve governance structures at the national and local levels as well as strengthening the capacities of local civil society to hold political leaders accountable to their promises and commitments.

International Alert has just begun a comprehensive range of activities to specifically address the critical issue of governance, working with representatives from the government, the opposition, major political parties, civil society, academia, the police and the military. These include:

• Consulting with local political actors and peace practitioners to analyse, plan and devise shared strategy for good governance
• Debating key governance and electoral issues such as the constitution, the role of the military, accountability, transparency and the economy
• Producing and disseminating recommendations on key governance issues relevant to themes tackled by the panels involved in the formal negotiations and local, regional and international policy makers.

If governance issues can be addressed in a strategic and coordinated way, the likelihood of establishing a more successful and sustainable peace process will be greatly improved.

For more information, contact Mais Yacoub

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Last updated: February 2006