This initiative is entirely compatible with COPA's mission, one of whose objectives is to contribute to "strengthening of parliamentary democracy" in the Americas. To that end, interparliamentary cooperation throughout the continent must seek to promote instruments that contribute to achieving that goal. This opportunity is an excellent way for COPA members to join efforts and reflect on ways to build more effective and legitimate parliamentary institutions in the hemisphere.

The benchmarks presented in this report are inspired by various documents drafted by interparliamentary and international bodies such as the APF, the NDI, the CPA, IPU, and by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). They are also consistent with the principles promoted by the 2001 Inter-American Democratic Charter and the 2004 Inter-American Convention against Corruption.