(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
Group photo at the seminar of the technical cooperation “Project for capacity development of the Office of the National Assembly of Viet Nam - Phase 2” (Photo: JICA)
In Iraq, the Council of Representatives elections were held in October 2021. Japan conducted election monitoring activities at polling places in the capital city of Baghdad and, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), provided Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission with equipment such as servers for biometric registration, as well as masks, non-contact thermometers, and other items for COVID-19 measures. Japan contributed to strengthening governance in Iraq by supporting the implementation of transparent and credible elections while preventing the spread of infections during the pandemic.
In addition, Japan also provides electoral assistance in Libya in cooperation with the UNDP. Military clashes in Libya have continued since “the Arab Spring,” however, a ceasefire was agreed upon in 2020. Presidential and parliamentary elections were scheduled to be held in December 2021 to choose an administration to replace the interim Government of National Unity that was established after the ceasefire, but these elections have been postponed until after January 2022. Japan contributes to the implementation of smooth, free, and fair elections by providing the High National Elections Commission with ballot boxes and other election-related equipment.