Elections and Political Processes

The most fundamental principles of democratic, credible elections are that they must be genuine and periodic and must reflect the free expression of the will of the people. At the broadest level, this means that elections should be transparent, inclusive, and accountable, and there must be equitable opportunities to compete in the elections. The electoral cycle approach depicts elections as a continuous process made up of building blocks that interact with and influence each other, rather than as a series of isolated events.

Programming in this sector can include assistance on electoral reform, election management, political party development, voter education, election observation, the electoral information environment, electoral security and conflict, electoral justice, and political transitions. Promoting political participation and leadership among women, youth, and other marginalized populations is a cross-cutting priority.