Guatemala

Although interest in transparency and anti-corruption work in Guatemala is growing, there is a lack of political will to pass key laws in areas such as access to public information, illicit enrichment, and international bribery. There is a disparity in the level of implementation of transparency standards and accountability in the three branches of state. There are also difficulties in staffing the head offices of public watchdog agencies and in fully implementing constitutional responsibilities and compliance with existing laws. Nepotism continues to be a problem as well as public office appointments as payment of political debts.

Through different projects and in partnership with civil society organizations, Acción Ciudadana, TI national-chapter-in-formation in Guatemala, has advocated for transparency-related reforms in public institutions such as the general comptroller, ombudsman, judiciary, institute for public defence. Acción Ciudadana has also looked to strengthen access to public information and transparency in the public contracting system. It has actively promoted the implementation of international anti-corruption conventions such as the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Honduras
The Honduras NIS analysis showed that there have been important advances in the fight against the corruption in recent years (e.g. the law on citizen participation and the law on transparency and access to public information). Although the Honduran institutions which correspond to the National Integrity System are easily identifiable and fulfill a minimum level of credibility and experience (and even though strengthening the integrity system is a goal that is widely understood), there is not an sufficient implementation practical implementation of the rules or a noticeable cooperation among the relevant institutions and actors.

The “Asociación para una Ciudadanía Participativa” ACI-PARTICIPA, is a non-profit, independent civil society organisation. Their anti-corruption initiatives include: developing a human rights network; civic education in elementary school curricula; promotion of the rights of immigrants, young people and other vulnerable groups; transparency in the public contracting system; social audit of the jurisdictional system; promotion of citizen participation in the municipal context; women and political participation at local and national level.

Costa Rica
In terms of transparency and anti-corruption, Costa Rica is one of the most advanced countries in Central America. However, accountability of the executive is not satisfactory and the legislative branch does not perform its political control function on a permanent basis. There are also weaknesses in the regulation of political party funding, undermining laws and potentially enabling the influence of private interests in politics. The electoral tribunal has not been successful in demanding greater transparency in this regard.

In terms of public watchdog agencies, the general comptroller’s office has increasingly gained responsibilities, putting at risk its capacity to effectively control state finances. It is important to guarantee the ombudsman’s economic and operational independence. In terms of public procurement, there are wide discretional margins in the process, potentially opening them to corrupt practices. Finally, the media have played an important role in denouncing corruption cases, but the country lacks alternative sources of information.

Nicaragua
The existence of anti-corruption legislation in Nicaragua is limited, and has remained without reform for almost two decades now. While forms of corruption multiply, the legal scheme continues to be vulnerable at all levels. Nevertheless, the fight against corruption was a key topic in the presidential race. The state follows a strategy of fighting corruption based on reducing the causes and manifestations of corruption progressively and systematically. The state also aims at transformation at the cultural level, enhancing the transparency and efficiency of public management.

In 2006, the Grupo Cívico Ética y Transparencia, TI national-chapter-in-formation, conducted an analysis of the current corruption situation in the country as well as the situation with regards to the political and the judicial dimension of anti-corruption efforts in Nicaragua. The result of this investigation was a report drawing from studies on corruption in Nicaragua (from 1996-2006) and providing information on the corruption control policies of key public institutions in Nicaragua. Additionally, Etica y Transparencia monitors the implementation of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption as well as the Mar del Plata Declaration of the 4th Summit of the Americas and, through training workshops for civil servants and civil society organizations, disseminates educational material and public presentations.

Panama
Panama’s National Integrity System has evolved positively in recent years. The countries institutions of integrity have gained in efficiency by stimulating increased citizen interest and active participation in the public agenda. The government has set up important forums to facilitate civil involvement in solving public problems. Nevertheless, this is a fragile system because of its overdependence on the political will of key institutions, which is to the detriment of poorly organised groups who tend to have little political power to bargain with. The judiciary is still one of the weakest links in the whole system. Additionally, pillars in Panama’s National Integrity System remain poorly coordinated and have problems of political independence, especially those ‘pillars’ within the government.

The Panamanian chapter of Transparency International, as the local coordinator of RECREA, has been carrying out workshops with public and private sector experts to develop a current understanding of the situation within public administration and to track trends in institutional quality. The organisation also participates actively in national forums on some of Panama’s most pressing problems, such as the current reform of the penal code.

Across Central America
The Latinobarómetro poll: www.latinobarometro.org

Guatemala:
Mexico Authorizes Portillo's Extradition, The Associated Press, 31 October 31 2006

Honduras:
One out of five is a victim of corruption, Honduras This Week, 31 July 2006,

Costa Rica:
BBC Country profile: Costa Rica
World Bank Costa Rica Country Brief. Development Progress

Nicaragua:
In Nicaragua, Ortega plans to review privatizations, International Herald Tribune, 27 January 2007

Panama:
Panamanians see canal's return as a mixed blessing, CNN