We will help make elections free and fair, and provide support to a range of democratic institutions such as parliaments, political parties and the media which are critical to improved governance
Elections
Elections are often a pivotal moment when citizens can seek to effect political change by changing their leaders through the democratic process. Recent elections in Nigeria, Zambia and Nepal have shown how citizens seize the opportunity of elections to try to change political regimes and policies of government. We have committed to supporting 13 countries to hold freer and fairer elections by 2015, covering a total of 300 million voters around the world. In the next twelve months, this will include elections in DRC, Kenya and Sierra Leone.
Our activities to support free and fair elections around the world include:
- Establishing and maintaining voter registration lists
- Technical and logistical support to Elections Commissions
- Educating voters on their civic rights and responsibilities
- Training (domestic and international) election observers
To deliver sustainable political change, external support to elections should be provided as part of a wider package of support to democratic institutions and systems such as parliaments, civic education and media. Increasingly DFID election support activities are embedded in integrated governance and accountability programmes, such as the “Deepening Democracy” programmes underway in Uganda, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Malawi.
Parliaments
Parliaments play a key role in making democratic politics work. They act as a bridge between people and their rulers: representing people’s interests to the government on the one hand, and keeping people in touch with the affairs of the state on the other.
Parliamentary strengthening activities are a key element of supporting more democratic governance and dovetail with wider efforts to strengthen local accountability through support to civil society, political parties, the media and elections.
We have supported over 20 parliaments worldwide in recent years to strengthen law-making capacities, represent citizen interests and hold governments to account.
Political parties
Political party and party system assistance has not previously been a major part of DFID’s democratic governance work. In common with other development partners, we are beginning to recognise their importance for developing stable, non-violent political societies and are examining the appropriate role for development agencies in this field. We work closely with the FCO to provide suitable support to political parties and party systems.