(3) Assistance for Democratization
It is a critical component of encouraging medium to long-term stability and development in developing countries to strengthen the foundation for democracy such as by the people’s participation in governance and development and by protecting and promoting human rights. In particular, it is important for Japan to actively assist developing countries, which are taking proactive steps toward democratization, and support their efforts to shift to democratic systems, including electoral assistance.
●Japan’s Efforts
In February 2018, Japan provided Cambodia with supplies for elections, such as ballot boxes, recognizing the significance of holding national elections in which the will of the people is properly reflected. Moreover, along with trainings on the ideals of democracy for officials involved in parliament administration and election management, training on improving judicial access for legal professionals was also conducted. Furthermore, since 2017, Japan has provided technical cooperation assistance to the officials of the Cambodian Ministry of Interior aspiring for decentralization in the country, in support of formulating strategies and implementation plans, and developing human resources. In December 2018, and March and July 2019, a total of 30 young Cambodian politicians were invited to Japan, wherein they had exchanges of views with related organizations and on-site observations, including those where election work was conducted, to learn about democracy in Japan. Political campaign staffs, including those from civil society, and government officials in charge of civil society were also invited to Japan.
In addition, in August 2019, Japan decided to provide ballot boxes and ink to be installed in polling stations throughout Ethiopia, in order to support the implementation of fair and highly transparent general elections in Ethiopia in accordance with international standards. This assistance is expected to contribute to the peace and stability in Ethiopia and strengthen bilateral relations.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs NAKATANI Shinichi (second from left) conducting election observation activities for the election of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People of Tunisia (October 2019)