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Free and open elections are often the first step in empowering citizens in democratic societies. Periodic, competitive
elections are an essential element of a functioning democracy. They are the most powerful tool to hold governments
accountable to citizens. Uniquely in elections, the views and desires of all citizens are accorded respect. Particularly
in initial elections following conflict or prolonged periods of one party control, this respect can create political
capital that underpins public confidence in the development of democratic institutions. Elections help make political
leaders more responsive to citizens' needs but they are only the beginning of the process.
Gaining public trust and building confidence in and support for the new democratic political system constitute
one of the main challenges facing political parties and leaders in emerging democracies. Elected officials must
attend to citizen needs and concerns and put public over private interests if citizens are to gain confidence in
representative government. Political leadership is essential for establishing credible, effective and responsive
political structures. Increasingly complex political and economic environments are forcing leaders to adjust rapidly
to new circumstances and constantly acquire new skills to govern effectively.
In any democracy, the legislature is one of the most vital points of public access to government, and its effectiveness
is key to building public trust and confidence. If new policy initiatives are to be adopted through democratic
means of deliberation, debate, and negotiation among various parties and the interests they represent, then different
parties -- in both the government and the opposition -- must be able and willing to cooperate and bargain constructively
despite their opposing views. If democracy is to function well, legislatures also must offer voice and participation
to the varied constituencies that must be heard. The national legislature, as well as elected lower-level councils
at the regional or local level, must find ways to draw individual citizens and major interest groups into the policy-making
process so that the people can make their needs known, scrutinize the policy process, and become educated about
the constraints on policy-making and budgeting. Finally, a legislature has the challenge of not only cooperating
with the executive branch and its agencies, but also monitoring these bodies and ensuring their compliance with
the law, the constitution, and related principles of democracy and good governance.
The following questions are posed for this session:
What measures -- domestic and international election observation, structuring of independent electoral commissions,
party list vs. direct representation electoral systems, voter education -- have proven effective in enhancing public
confidence in elections?
How can political leaders broaden public support for their political parties in the legislature? How can parties
enhance the skills of upcoming and newly elected leaders and increase their responsiveness to citizen concerns?
What concrete measures have legislatures taken that build public confidence and invite public participation in
the legislature, such as public hearings, publication of draft bills, effective press relations, etc.? To what
extent are legislators communicating with, and responding to the concerns of, constituents?
How can more sustained relations of cooperation, negotiation, and consensus in the legislature be fashioned among
different parties with very different interests, backgrounds, and views?
How can the capacity of the legislature to participate in the policy, law and budget-making process be enhanced?
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