Democracy and Governance
Neighborhood chiefs from one of the five subdistricts of the Babel Governorate
listen to a description of the basics of democracy and the process to select 20
community members for a district council. Photo: USAID/Iraq
USAID DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia,
East Timor, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Mongolia, Morocco,
Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, West Bank/Gaza
and Yemen
CONTACTS
Ricki Gold
Program Analyst
Tel: (202) 712-4922
Email: rigold@usaid.gov
Overview
Countries in Asia and the Near East (ANE) range from those in the early stages of nation-building to established democracies. Challenges include corruption, weak democratic institutions and poor governance. In some cases, extremism and separatists movements threaten regional stability. USAID programming in democracy and governance will bolster democratic institutions, strengthen US efforts to mitigate the appeal of extremist ideologies, help combat corruption and contribute to long term development.
Programs
BUILDING DEMOCRATIC, ACCOUNTABLE AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT
Across the ANE region there is a need to make governments more representative, accountable, and effective. USAID addresses these issues by strengthening government transparency, increasing executive-branch capacity, strengthening legislative institutions and improving local governance. In Bangladesh, USAID supports the work of local NGOs in monitoring and publicizing corruption. In Indonesia, Lebanon, Iraq and elsewhere, USAID works with local governments to strengthen their ability to deliver critical basic services. In Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jordan and other countries USAID strengthens the parliament through orientation programs, training, technical assistance and commodities.
PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW AND JUSTICE
In most ANE countries there is a need to improve judicial institutions and due process. USAID programs promote rule of law by supporting constitutional and legal reform, promoting human right and judicial independence, and improving administration of justice. Programs assist efforts of governments that demonstrate commitment to judicial reform and the efforts of non-governmental groups to increase demand for legal and judicial reform. In Egypt, USAID’s program resulted in the swearing in of 30 women judges - previously, there was only one. In the West Bank and Gaza, USAID facilitated the design and piloted the first Palestinian Bar Exam.
EXPANDING POLITICAL COMPETITION
In a number of ANE countries, citizens and groups are seeking to actively and openly participate in the decision-making that affects their lives. Restrictions on these groups in the formation of democratic parties and civil society organizations contribute to poor policymaking and lack of accountability. USAID programs help expand political competition by supporting democratic political parties, electoral administration, independent media and civil society. In Pakistan, USAID is working to strengthen the Election Commission by assisting with the creation of computerized voter rolls and facilitating dialogue between the Commission and political parties. In Nepal, more that 400 political party members have been trained in leadership and representative skills.
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