Thinking Democratically: A Comprehensive Approach to Countering and Preventing Shrinking Space
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The case studies show that the attacks on civic space cannot be seen as separate from the way space<br />
for political contestation is being restricted. First of all, the three strategies are inherently<br />
interlinked. The extent of success of attacks on the rule of law conditions the ability of civil society<br />
<strong>to</strong> counter restrictive legislation, as well as the ability of political parties <strong>to</strong> challenge elec<strong>to</strong>ral<br />
reform. A closed down civic space likewise renders democratic elections meaningless <strong>and</strong> thereby<br />
contributes <strong>to</strong> an uneven political playing field.<br />
Secondly, it is often the same ac<strong>to</strong>rs who are closing civic space that are also undermining democratic<br />
institutions <strong>and</strong> changing the rules of the game in their favour. While the ruling party is often the<br />
main perpetra<strong>to</strong>r of such au<strong>to</strong>cratisation, the case studies illustrate the powerful role of criminal<br />
networks, business interests <strong>and</strong> even major opposition parties in breaking down democratic space.<br />
This is explored in further detail below.<br />
<strong>Shrinking</strong> civic space cannot therefore be seen as separate from the wider trend of au<strong>to</strong>cratisation<br />
occurring at a global <strong>and</strong> national level. Civic space, space for political contestation <strong>and</strong> the rule of<br />
law must be seen as different strategies <strong>to</strong> the same end: gradually silencing dissent <strong>and</strong><br />
concentrating power in the h<strong>and</strong>s of a few. The phenomenon of shrinking civic space is deeply<br />
embedded in a wider trend of regressing democratic space <strong>and</strong> authoritarian resurgence <strong>and</strong> must be<br />
responded <strong>to</strong> accordingly. A case can be made that in some circumstances it would be wise <strong>to</strong> frame<br />
the response as solely focused on civil space – however, this should be about framing as it would be<br />
exceedingly difficult <strong>to</strong> actually succeed in the response without considering the wider political<br />
sphere of broader contestation.<br />
2. <strong>Shrinking</strong> space is non-linear, gradual <strong>and</strong> global<br />
A. Multifaceted non-linear phenomenon<br />
The case studies exemplify how different strategies are employed in varying combinations at<br />
different points in time. In Kenya, the main attack on democratic space is directed at civic freedoms,<br />
despite increasing efforts <strong>to</strong> create an uneven political playing field. In contrast, in Georgia civic<br />
space is relatively unrestricted while the main battle is over the constitution, with ruling parties<br />
trying <strong>to</strong> change the rules of the game in their favour. Relative improvements have been made in<br />
Indonesia when it comes <strong>to</strong> civic space, <strong>and</strong> yet a restrictive NGO-law was passed <strong>and</strong> efforts <strong>to</strong> tilt<br />
the political arena in favour of the incumbent continue. In El Salvador <strong>and</strong> Honduras, the failure <strong>to</strong><br />
uphold the rule of law <strong>and</strong> the complete impunity greatly restricts civic space, while illicit financial<br />
flows <strong>and</strong> high entry barriers set the scene for an unrepresentative <strong>and</strong> exclusive space for<br />
contestation. In Guatemala, the political elite upholds the rules of the game so that contestation<br />
occurs outside the public realm <strong>and</strong> business elites dictate the government’s agenda, while also<br />
attacking civil society. While the Zimbabwean judiciary still enjoys pockets of independence,<br />
Zimbabwean civil society have been under severe attacks through legislative, administrative <strong>and</strong><br />
political means, <strong>and</strong> space for contestation is skewed in favour of the ruling party through extreme<br />
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