Pacto pela Democracia is a coalition of civil society organizations that coordinates efforts among social actors across the ideological spectrum. Our aim is to enhance civil society's ability to defend and revitalize democracy in Brazil. Operating since 2018, Pacto brings together over 200 organizations in a non-partisan space, enabling diverse participants with varying agendas, perspectives, and political identities to collaborate in strengthening democratic processes and institutions.
Our mission is to bring together, coordinate, and empower civil society for the recovery of democratic construction in Brazil.
2018
Pacto pela Democracia (Pact for Democracy) was launched with the aim of becoming a diverse coalition committed to the defense and revitalization of the pillars of democratic construction in Brazil. Its activities are centered on three fronts: promoting democratic culture, strengthening civil society through more participatory, dialogical, integral, and peaceful elections, and proposing democratic commitments to the country's political leaders. Pacto's initiative is unique, and was able to foresee even deeper challenges on the horizon of Brazilian political life.
2019
Pacto assumes the role of a coalition defending the Democratic Rule of Law amid the authoritarian escalation experienced in Brazil under the Bolsonaro government. The network expands, becomes more relevant and evolves into a central space for monitoring anti-democratic threats and coordinating actions to defend fundamental rights and freedoms in Brazil. There were three major areas of focus: defending institutions, constitutional rights, and freedoms; promoting democratic culture; and strengthening civil society.
2020
In the midst of the pandemic calamity and the acceleration of authoritarian offensives, Pacto strengthened its network and expanded activities through partnerships with various sectors of society to address the ongoing simultaneous crises. In addition to identifying and responding to anti-democratic attacks, Pacto worked to protect the health of the population and Brazilian democracy in the context of local elections. Faced with physical distancing, we forge stronger ties; confronted with authoritarian threats, we amplify voices for democracy; in the wake of numerous deaths, we work tirelessly to defend life.
2021
In yet another year marked by an intensification of attacks, Pacto focuses its strategies on actions against authoritarian setbacks: defending institutions and civic space, and advocating for electoral reform with increased transparency and social participation. Pacto plays a central role in key issues, such as the repeal of the National Security Law and the establishment of the Law for the Defense of the Democratic Rule of Law. It also began formulating strategies to protect the integrity of the electoral process that would unfold in the following year.
Activity Report - 2021 (english).
2022
In one of the most challenging moments for Brazilian democracy, Pacto orchestrated an unprecedented collaboration among various actors and social sectors to isolate voices advocating for a coup and to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and its outcome. We operated on three main fronts: enhancing the process by promoting civil society initiatives for better elections; defending the elections by swiftly and cohesively responding to attacks on the electoral process; and safeguarding the results, aiming for prompt and widespread recognition of the polling outcome to minimize any attempts to challenge and disrespect the sovereign and democratic choice of the population.
Activity Report - 2022 (english).
2023
A new political-democratic cycle begins for Brazil and for Pacto, requiring an important process of updating our approach in the short, medium, and long terms. Our theory of change has been revised, and a multi-year strategic plan has been developed, all while leading crucial processes to hold those accountable for crimes against the Rule of Law. We have also confronted attempts to undermine democracy in the National Congress, notably in cases such as the Amnesty Amendment and the electoral small reform. Additionally, we have expanded our contributions to public discourse and our engagement with the international community.
WHY IS IT STILL IMPORTANT TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY?
- The current process of contestation and erosion of democracies is a global phenomenon. If it is to be overcome, it requires consistent, continuous and collaborative efforts, both nationally and internationally.
- In Brazil, the very existence of democracy has become an agenda in itself. It is a new agenda, centered on building and maintaining democratic conditions that effectively allow struggles for rights to take place and advance.
- Both the existence and the quality of democracy depend on permanent efforts to guarantee a society guided by its values, its rights and its fundamental freedoms.
- Democratic values and basic republican principles have proven to be fragile in Brazil's institutional performance and social coexistence. Promoting and realizing these values requires constant dedication if confidence in democracy is to be restored.
- The democratic field needs to reflect ideological and political plurality and legitimize the diversity of thoughts and positions committed to democratic values.
- Processes of disinformation, hate speech and the rise of the extreme right are issues that justify continued efforts to improve public debate and to reaffirm democratic values as the foundations of our social construction.
