Abstract
The purpose of this performance evaluation is to assess the results of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Elections and Political Processes Program (EPP Program) in Colombia designed to strengthen political parties and electoral processes in Colombia. The Program was implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) from 2007 to 2012. This evaluation examines implementing partners activities, evaluates their results, identifies lessons learned and best practices, and develops recommendations for possible future USAID support. The Elections and Political Processes program has been successful in many respects. Colombian partners and beneficiaries acknowledge the value of working with NDI and IRI and the importance of partnering with them to advance their interests. NDI and IRI were recognized by a vast majority of interviewees as critical players in Colombia, as unlike local organizations, these international Institutes achieved unparalleled convening power, and managed to reach agreements among often seemingly irreconcilable organizations and/or leaders on a range of issues. Component 1 - Promoting more effective and programmatic parties at the national and local level. Component 2 - Inclusion of Afro-Colombians, Internally Displaced People and women in the political process. Component 3 - Support for inclusive and electoral processes.