The European Union Delegation to Guinea-Bissau was preparing the Action on “Strengthening Democratic Governance in Guinea Bissau” as part of the above-mentioned 2024 Annual Action Plan. The general objective of the current assignment was to contribute to the implementation of the AAP 2024 in the framework of the MIP 2021-2027, in the area of democratic governance, notably in the elections, civil society and National Popular Assembly sectors.
The specific objective of this assignment was to elaborate and formulate a proposal of Action Document to contribute to strengthening democratic governance in Guinea Bissau, with the purpose of consolidating democracy and facilitating lasting peace in the country.
The action was based on three essential support components, according to the AAP 2024 of the MIP 2021-2027: civil society, parliament and elections. In the elaboration of the Action Document, EU thematic and regional programmes have been taken in consideration and demonstrate the coherence and synergies with the following specific objectives.

• SO1: strengthen the civil society as an actor to inclusive development at national and local levels;

Main expected results were: national and regional hubs strengthened or established to enhance dialogue and participation of civil society (including women and marginalized groups) in development planning processes with authorities and relevant stakeholders; regional Technical Assistance Offices created or supported to provide continuous training to CSOs on good governance, financial sustainability mechanisms and organizational culture; “citizen control” mechanisms consolidated and promoted; CSOs legal framework and capacities strengthened. Indicative budget: 3 M EUR

• SO2: strengthen representative and inclusive democracy through the effective functioning of the parliament;

Main expected results were: capacities of the elected members of ANP and its administration strengthened, including at the level of commissions on key topics (e.g. budget, gender); women parliamentarians supported in the development and implementation of strategies and relevant tools for better consideration of gender in the legislative process; exchanges ensured with other parliaments (including quota systems for women), constitutional experts and networks for technical improvements. Indicative budget: 1M EUR

• SO3: enhance credibility, inclusiveness, legitimacy and transparency of elections, in line with the domestic legislation and international standards, with a special attention to the next Presidential election foreseen in 2025.

Main expected results were: non-discriminatory laws for political participation and representation of women, youth, elderly and rural population promoted; capacities of women and youth in political participation strengthened; civil society activities to promote a safe space for the elections fostered; awareness raising on the Electoral Dispute Resolution Mechanism enhanced; observation and reporting on the elections facilitated; capacity building of journalists, including community radios’ voices and ethical journalism supported. Indicative budget: 1M EUR