Democracy and Governance
A local government official proudly shows the budget of the city of Banda Aceh, Indonesia. For the first time ever in Aceh province, a city government publicized the approved budget through the local press and widely distributed posters. (Photo: LGSP/Moh. Kholifan)
ASIA BUREAU DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
CONTACTS
Ricki Gold
Program Analyst
Tel: (202) 712-4922
Email: rgold@usaid.gov
Overview
Countries
in Asia range from those in the process of nation building to established
democracies. Challenges include corruption, weak democratic institutions and
poor governance. In some cases, extremism and separatist movements threaten
regional stability. USAID programming in democracy and governance bolsters
democratic institutions, mitigates the appeal of extremism, helps combat
corruption and contributes to long-term development.
Programs
Building Democratic, Accountable, and Effective Government
Across Asia,
there is a need to make governments more representative, accountable and
effective. USAID addresses these issues by strengthening government
transparency, increasing executive branch capacity, enhancing legislative
institutions and improving local governance. In Bangladesh, USAID supports the
work of local nongovernmental organizations in monitoring and publicizing
corruption. In Indonesia, USAID works with local governments to develop their
ability to deliver critical basic services. In Afghanistan, Pakistan and
Indonesia, USAID strengthens the national legislature through training and
technical assistance.
Promoting the Rule of Law and Justice
In most countries
in the region, there is a need to improve judicial institutions and due process.
USAID programs advance the rule of law by supporting constitutional and legal
reform, promoting human rights and judicial independence, and improving
administration of justice. Programs assist the efforts of governments that
demonstrate a commitment to judicial reform as well as the efforts of nongovernmental
groups to increase the demand for legal and judicial reform. In Cambodia,
USAID-supported training programs have helped lawyers improve their advocacy,
legal analysis and reasoning skills and have promoted interactive teaching
techniques among law professors.
Expanding Political Competition
Citizens
and groups across the region are seeking to actively and openly participate in the
decision making that affects their lives. Restrictions on the formation of
democratic political parties and civil society organizations contribute to poor
policymaking and a lack of accountability. USAID programs help expand political
competition by supporting democratic political parties, transparent electoral
administration, and independent media and civil society. In Pakistan, USAID has
worked 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 than 400 political party members have been
trained in leadership and representative skills.
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