Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Speaking on behalf of NIMD Mrs. Van Ardenne remarked that the new office ’ …makes the World Trade Center not only the beating heart of trade but also the centre for democracy support in Quito.’

The opening was attended by representatives of the Ecuadorian government, political parties, the Constituent Assembly, civil society and the international community, including Netherlands Ambassador Kornelis Spaans.

The Ecuadorian Minister for Integration and Participation Mrs. Jeannette Sánchez addressed the audience and welcomed the support by NIMD-IDEA’s team to help democracy in her country. NIMD’s work in Ecuador started in 2007 in a joint-venture with International IDEA under the name of ‘Ágora Democrática’. The program promotes a more democratic, transparent and policy-oriented political party system. Activities take place with political parties, the media and members of the Constituent Assembly.

Ecuador is currently passing through a process of fundamental changes of its political system and institutions. The Constituent Assembly established at the end of 2007 is in charge of drafting a new Constitution for the country. The text will be presented to the public in 2008 and submitted to a referendum.