"Freedom of expression --in particular, freedom of the press --guarantees popular participation in the dcisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy."

-- Corazon Aquino


  


The Role of Parliaments in Promoting an Information Rich Society - Unit 7: Multistakeholder Coalitions

 

The Civil Society Connection: Building Social Action Coalitions

Despite the initial enthusiasm for it, coalition-building is often difficult to sustain. However, when they are organized within individual countries or, at most, well-defined regions they are easier to maintain. Social action coalitions cover every interest from feminism, environmentalism, cultural, civil rights, and even religious movements such as the “Christian Right” in the United States. They can also be more formalized and reform-oriented, such as Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Coalition, and Allianza Civica in Mexico, Honduras, and elsewhere. Sometimes, strong coalitions are more effective than parliament in anti-corruption, but there is not a single ideal model. They all intend to mold individuals and groups into a sustainable reform-oriented constituency.

Minimal Conditions
There are minimal conditions for social action coalitions to be successful.

  • A functioning state;
  • Leaders who are guided by good governance;
  • Order;
  • An environment free of pervasive violence, famine, disease, or social disintegration.
  • Boundaries and linkages between state and society;
  • Basic civil liberties—freedom to organize, assemble, and voice
  • Freedom of the press;
  • Crisis or opportunity-making action imperative. NGO, aid partner, and international organizations support;
  • Self-interest in a corruption-free society.

 

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