One year since January 8: Pact for Democracy launches agenda in defense of the Democratic Rule of Law

Led by a coalition formed by more than 200 civil society organizations, the Make Democracy Strong campaign consists of six key fronts; get to know each one

Congresso Nacional brasileiro, na véspera do aniversário de um ano dos atos golpistas ocorridos em Brasília. Foto: Sergio Lima/AFP)

The Pact for Democracy launched on Monday, January 8, an agenda structured around six key pillars for the protection of democracy, the strengthening of the Democratic Rule of Law and the prevention of episodes such as those that occurred on January 8. “It is essential that institutions engaged in improving Brazilian democracy can guide their actions now and in the coming years by this agenda,” reads the document released by the coalition formed by more than 200 civil society organizations. 

The agenda states that the preservation of democracy is not just the responsibility of government institutions, but a collective effort in which civil society plays a fundamental role. The document provides strategic direction and serves as an inspiring source to guide decisions and initiatives with a view to consolidating a strong democracy.

See the six pillars below:

• Accountability for crimes against democracy is not just a legal obligation, but a civilizational commitment that we must embrace. In doing so, we not only guarantee that past transgressions have their proper legal outcome, but we also pave the way for a future where democracy can flourish and grow stronger through the challenges we will face.
• The impartiality and loyalty of these forces are essential pillars for democratic stability, and their political misuse represents a significant threat to the integrity of the Democratic Rule of Law. The transformation of the security forces of state institutions into politically aligned organizations creates a dangerous and volatile environment for democracy.
• The combination of technical improvements, transparency and active participation by civil society can contribute significantly to the defense and strengthening of the election process in Brazil, by combating disinformation and guaranteeing the legitimacy of the election process.
• The preservation of the Democratic Rule of Law requires not only the defense of formal institutions, but also the promotion of a robust and informed public sphere that is capable of resisting disinformation and ensuring the continuity of a healthy democratic dialogue.
• Since 1988, civil society has transformed its methods of mobilization, organization and communication, as well as its strategies to pressure the State. Similarly, new forms of participation are likely to emerge, particularly in light of a scenario in which certain sectors of society perceive themselves to be marginalized and excluded from the decision-making process.
• It is important for the Brazilian State to promote, at all educational levels, a broad and permanent support for citizenship and media education, with the aim of cultivating citizens who actively engage in democracy, encouraging reflective thinking and the ability to discern true information from disinformation so everyone can understand the importance of defending and improving democracy.