Enhanced Representation and Local Engagement: A Preliminary Review and Assessment of the Platforms Project

Abstract

In the USAID funded Legislative Strengthening Project for Cote d’Ivoire, the project sought to promote improved public service delivery utilizing the legislator’s role of representation by creating constituency platforms or work groups in which legislators joined with local governmental and civil society leaders to collaborate on monitoring and advocating for improvements in public service delivery by the national government. LSP piloted this approach in 24 constituencies spread across the country. This paper will review the findings of this initiative and some of the lessons learned. Initial assessments suggest that the collaborate Platforms initiative has proven generally successful in advancing the three principle goals of the initiative: improving MP representation; improving public service delivery; and improving the civil and collaborative engagement of diverse groups within the constituency community. Given the extremely short duration of the current project, the model deserves significantly further development and support including study of lingering questions about the proper management of the Platforms.