Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy (SSD)

Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy

Sebastián Eugenio Kraljevich Chadwick

Secretary

The OAS Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy (SSD) is dedicated to sustaining, promoting, and consolidating democracy in the Member States as a cornerstone of peace, security, and development in the Hemisphere. Guided by the Inter-American Democratic Charter and mandated by the Organization’s political bodies, the SSD works closely with countries across the region to ensure that democracy remains the most effective path to fostering citizen trust, social cohesion, and prosperity.

From electoral observation to technical cooperation and institutional modernization, the SSD serves as a strategic partner and trusted mediator for Member States, with the capacity to deploy special missions in times of complex political contexts, facilitating good offices, and supporting peaceful conflict resolution. Through these efforts, the SSD helps strengthen democratic legitimacy across its three dimensions: origin (free and fair elections), procedure (equality before the law and access to rights), and performance (governments that deliver on their commitments and meet citizens’ needs).

OEADemocracia

Organization chart

More Results

Highlighted Results

3,000 people in national judicial facilitator services are trained annually in resolution of controversies, human rights and soft skills

Over 600,000 people obtain access to justice through judicial facilitators in their communities.

Over 490 independently verified incidents in the Belize-Guatemala Adjacency Zone

336 EOMs deployed in 28 OAS member states, with more than 14,500 international observers, since 1962.

Structure

Executive Office of the Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy

Promotes democratic processes in OAS Member States, supports and protects democratic institutions, and strengthens the Organization’s role in the political sphere to foster peace, security, and development in the region.

Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions (DSDSM)

The Department for Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions is dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions across the region through the coordination and implementation of multiple initiatives, including special missions, technical cooperation programs, and capacity-building efforts. Its mission is to enhance democratic institutionality in alignment with the principles outlined in the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO)

The Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO / OAS) is the entity within the Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy in charge of developing and maintaining a permanent and professional service of observation and technical electoral cooperation for member countries, grounded on efforts for continuous improvement and the consolidation of related procedures and practices.

Department for Effective Public Management (DGPE)

The Department contributes to promoting and strengthening the effective exercise of democracy, as outlined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Its mission is to ensure that public institutions are more transparent and effective, with mechanisms for citizen participation. Transparency, citizen participation, and open and digital government are key to improving the provision of quality public services, preventing corruption, reducing bureaucracy, and fostering innovation

Department of Access to Rights (DAR)

Supports the efforts of Member States in formulating strategies to combat inequality. In addition, it promotes social inclusion through initiatives focused on breaking structural barriers in access to opportunities, the design of public policies that generate social inclusion and the implementation of projects to improve the living conditions of various groups in vulnerable situations.

More Projects

Highlighted Projects, Programs and Initiatives

Electoral Observation Missions (EOMS)

Since 1962 the OAS has deployed 336 Electoral Observation Missions (OAS/EOMs) in 28 countries throughout the continent.

Indigenous woman participates in an electoral process with the assistance of a polling station official.

 International Electoral Accreditation Body (IEAB)

The IEAB works to promote transparency and quality in elections by supporting the certification of election management bodies to meet international electoral standards.

General Secretary seated in a meeting room with OAS authorities of Haiti.

Institutional strengthening to fight against corruption in Haiti OAS|RILCH

OAS|RILCH works to improve the capacities of the relevant institutional actors to fight and prevent corruption in Haiti

A judicial facilitator leads an open-air community meeting, surrounded by attentive participants. The image reflects access to justice, civic engagement, and grassroots work.

 Inter-American Program of Judicial Facilitators (PIFJ)

Technical assistance to ensure compliance with the right of access to justice and promotion of a culture of peace in the most vulnerable communities and groups.

Four persons working for MAPP/OAS reach remote territories to verify security conditions.

Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia (MAPP/OAS)

MAPP/OAS mission supports the Colombian State and civil society in the construction of peace monitoring affected areas by the internal armed conflict.

Inter-American Meeting of Electoral Management Bodies (RAE)

The Inter-American Meeting of Electoral Management Bodies (RAE) promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and successful practices on electoral administration in the region.

Technical meeting between Belizean and Guatemalan entities and the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone

Belize - Guatemala Process

A peacekeeping mission that provides technical, political and diplomatic assistance in relation to the territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala.

OAS Voluntary Group for Follow-up to the Inter-American Democratic Charter

The Voluntary Group for Follow-up of the Inter-American Democratic Charter was created in response to the mandate of resolution AG/RES. 3004 (LIII-O/23) STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY

President Arevalo is sworn in as the President of Guatemala

Support for the Transition Process in Guatemala 2023-2024

At the invitation of the Government of Guatemala, the Organization of American States accompanied and observed the 2023-2024 presidential transition process in the country, which by constitutional man

High-Level Group for Strengthening Women's Political Participation

Initiative that promotes the implementation of the recommendations of the OAS Electoral Observation Missions on women's political participation.

Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH)

MACCIH supported Honduras in combating corruption and impunity with an integral vision. It was the first mission in the history of the OAS for this purpose.

Electoral Observation Training

Program to provide training in electoral observation, aimed at members of civil society, academic institutions, and citizens in general, focused on domestic or national observation.

Innovation and Electoral Technology

Program to promote and promote strengthening of electoral bodies in tech. DECO/OAS assists in citizen services, electoral results transmission system, new technologies, e-voting, cybersecurity, & AI.

Communication and Disinformation in Elections

Program to strengthen the communication of electoral institutions and combat the phenomenon of disinformation in elections.

Office of the OAS Commissioner on Combating Antisemitism

Address the alarming rise in antisemitism across the Western Hemisphere and implement strategies to raise awareness and combat it effectively

More Publications

Highlighted Publications

Cover for the Manual displays 3 pictures of OAS Observers in action

English Español Français

May, 2024

Manual for OAS Electoral Observation Missions - Second Edition

This Manual defines the objectives of a EOM, what and how is observed, as well as the procedures for organizing and implementing a Mission. Update of the 2009 edition.