Strong Democracy Agenda

The Strong Democracy Agenda project proposes the creation of “democratic vaccines” capable of making Brazilian democracy less vulnerable to the ongoing authoritarian pandemic in Brazil and around the world. Structured around eight pillars that are fundamental to the proper functioning of a democratic system, the initiative is a collectively developed agenda involving organizations from Pacto’s Network. It promotes reflection, policy development, and political advocacy to create mechanisms that protect the democratic rule of law.

The agenda encompasses short-, medium-, and long-term measures that are continuously discussed and advanced through eight working groups within the Pacto pela Democracia Network.

History of the Agenda

The Strong Democracy Agenda began in 2023 with the collective development of 12 guidelines aimed at strengthening institutions and protecting democracy in Brazil. These recommendations were formally presented to Senator Eliziane Gama and gained political relevance after being cited in the final report of the Joint Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the January 8 attacks, establishing the agenda as a reference in the public debate. Following this recognition, the initiative was expanded and its proposals further developed.

In 2024, the Agenda entered a new phase, structured around eight thematic pillars. This stage included introductory sessions with experts, broad participation from the Network, and an in-person meeting that brought together more than 60 people to align the guidelines. In 2025, the project gained even greater visibility with the launch of the “Make Democracy Strong” campaign on the Esplanade of Ministries in Brasília and the presentation of its third phase, now comprising 38 guidelines and 16 co-leaders. This trajectory reflects a continuous process of collective development, technical improvement, and growing engagement around strengthening democracy.

Organizations Involved and Thematic Areas

The Strong Democracy Agenda was developed with contributions from Aláfia Lab, the Digital Journalism Association, Brazil Office, the Center for the Analysis of Liberty and Authoritarianism, the Brazil Coalition for Memory, Truth, Justice, Reparation, and Democracy, Democracy Hub, Instituto Cidade Democrática, Instituto Sivis, Instituto Sou da Paz, InternetLab, Justa, the Movement to Combat Electoral Corruption, Mulheres Negras Decidem, the National Network for Civic Education, Transparência Eleitoral Brasil, Transparency International – Brazil, and other organizations from Pacto’s Network, which are currently organized into eight thematic groups.

The Agenda comprises the following pillars:

  • Countering international authoritarian networks;
  • Depoliticizing and democratizing security forces;
  • Promoting balance among the branches of government;
  • Defending and strengthening the electoral system;
  • Accountability and remembrance of crimes against democracy;
  • Civic participation;
  • Civic education;
  • Improving and promoting public debate.

Impact

  • 1 Developing structural and preventive responses to democratic threats, reducing vulnerability to institutional crises.
  • 2 Building an integrated national agenda that aligns actors and proposals around strengthening democracy in Brazil.
  • 3 Producing and systematizing strategic knowledge to guide policies and actions in defense of the democratic rule of law.
  • 4 Expanding civil society’s capacity to engage effectively in decision-making processes and influence the public agenda.
  • 5 Contributing to a more informed, pluralistic, and evidence-based public debate on democracy and institutions.
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