Democracy and Governance
In the weeks leading up to the March 2010 national elections, Iraqi voters attended grassroots voter education workshops that were led by 200 civil society groups and NGOs trained through USAID. (Photo: Thikra Sarsam)
MIDDLE EAST BUREAU DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen
CONTACTS
April Hahn
Democracy/Governance Team Leader
Tel: (202) 712-5457
Email: AHahn@usaid.gov
Overview
Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa are in the midst of historic political change. USAID is supporting immediate and new opportunities for democratic reform in the Egyptian and Tunisian transitions, as well as in neighboring countries. At the same time, USAID continues to work with partners in the region to address long-standing challenges, such as mitigating corruption, improving governance, and expanding political space. USAID democracy and governance programs also forge partnerships that help Arab governments, civil society organizations, and citizens combat corruption and bolster democratic institutions to lessen the appeal of extremism and contribute to long-term development.
Programs
Support Democratic Transitions
Since the beginning of the Arab Spring, USAID has worked rapidly to respond to events on the ground in Egypt and Tunisia, supporting political reform efforts including those designed to promote credible elections, civil society development, democratic institutions, tolerance, and human rights. Programs prioritize the inclusion of women and youth in order to safeguard their rights in political reforms.
Build Democratic, Accountable, Effective Government
Across the region, citizens seek more representative, accountable, and effective government. USAID helps strengthen government transparency, increase executive branch capacity, enhance legislative institutions, and improve local governance. In Iraq, USAID has helped to train more than 105,000 civil servants, with the Iraqi government now providing the majority of courses on its own.
Promote the Rule of Law and Delivery of Justice
In most countries in the region, citizens desire improved judicial institutions and rights protection. USAID programs advance the rule of law by supporting legal reform, promoting human rights and judicial independence, and improving the administration of justice. For example, in Jordan, USAID helped to automate 100 percent of the country's civil courts and assisted in the creation of a disability rights coalition, which resulted in persons with disabilities being able to vote at polling stations in the recent parliamentary elections.
Expand Political Voice and Competition
Citizens in the region actively seek to participate in decision making that affects their lives. USAID programs help expand political competition by supporting democratic political parties, transparent electoral administration, and independent media and civil society. For example, in Morocco, with USAID support, over 1,000 young civic leaders and 350 associations were involved in debating and drafting memorandums to the country’s Consultative Commission on Constitutional Change. The Commission incorporated many of the young leaders' proposals, such as the creation of the Consultative Council on Youth and Civic Action.
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