Consejo Regional Indígena y Popular de Xpujil S.C. (CRIPX) conducts citizen forums in the communities of Calakmul with the aim of drafting a citizen proposal to address local governmental reforms as well as management of public projects and natural resources.

Latin America and Caribbean

Notwithstanding the advance and relative stability of democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean, important democratic deficits still exist, particularly in the area of rule of law. This weakness leads to widespread impunity and corruption, lack of transparency and accountability in government, and ineffective public policies. Together, these elements play upon each other to bring about one of the region's most serious challenges: amplified violence and domestic and international crime.

Over the course of 2008, support for democracy varied throughout the region and five countries experienced democratic declines. In Bolivia, the prolonged confrontation that marked the constitutional process and the debate over territorial autonomy resulted in acute polarization and internal conflict, leading to a number of dead and wounded in the department of Pando. In Colombia, despite impressive advances in fighting guerrillas and narcotraffickers, internally displaced populations and extrajudicial killings increased.

Nicaragua experienced intense political polarization, further concentration of power in the executive, and reduced autonomy in the other branches of power, as well as attacks against independent civil society organizations and the media. The November local elections were marred by harassment and disqualification of opposition candidates and parties and credible allegations of widespread, government-instigated fraud.

In Mexico, both the state and citizens are confronting unprecedented levels of violence and crime associated with narcotrafficking and criminal gangs, which caused more than 6,000 violent deaths in 2008. In Venezuela, the rule of law further deteriorated due to corruption, personalistic rule, a lack of division of power, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assaults upon journalists. The November regional elections were stained by the politically-motivated disqualification of opposition candidates and the massive use of public resources to favor government candidates.

The most prominent democratic progress in 2008 took place in Paraguay. In the country's first truly competitive elections, current President Fernando Lugo and his coalition defeated the ruling Colorado Party- ending over 60 years of continuous rule, including 35 under the dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner. This shift invigorated Paraguayan society and raised hopes for a more pluralistic, free, and fair society. :: MORE