(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 to support developing countries, which are taking proactive steps toward democratization, in their efforts to shift to democratic systems through electoral assistance and other means.
●Japan’s Efforts
In November 2020, Myanmar held its third general election under the current constitution in a peaceful manner. Since holding fair and highly transparent elections is an important issue for the establishment of democracy in the country, Japan implemented the “Project for Electoral Assistance (through UNDP),” a grant aid for Myanmar to distribute indelible ink to all polling stations which was applied to the fingers of all eligible voters to prevent double voting, which contributed to holding a fair and highly transparent election.
With regard to Sri Lanka, in July 2020, Japan provided a grant aid for the training of election observers, public relations, and educational activities to support enhancing democracy, fostering understanding, and building a society where human rights are respected through the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project, the “Project for Sustaining Democratization through the Implementation of Free and Fair Election in Sri Lanka.” Under the educational activities, voting guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for the safety of voters was also provided.
Furthermore, Japan, having decided on assistance for the implementation of highly transparent and reliable elections in Cote d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic, provided equipment for election management including containers for the safekeeping of election materials and equipment, and conducted capacity building training for those involved in election operations.