(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 that take proactive steps toward democratization in their efforts to move toward democratic systems, such as through assistance for holding fair and transparent elections, and assistance for the media in ensuring the citizens’ right to know and protecting freedom of expression.
● Japan’s Efforts
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 items for COVID-19 measures such as masks and non-contact thermometers. 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 Kosovo, Japan has implemented the “Project for Capacity Development of Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK)” since January 2021 to deliver accurate, neutral, and fair broadcasting to all citizens. In order to improve the accuracy of reporting in multiethnic areas, Japan provides assistance for preparations of the opening of branch offices in ethnic minority areas and mixed ethnic areas, and for the capacity enhancement of program production staff through on-the-job training and workshops by JICA experts. These activities contribute to the broadcasting of fair and impartial programs to all citizens, including ethnic minorities (see also “Project Introduction Column” for the assistance for public service broadcasters in Ukraine).