Democracy is vital to good governance. It provides the processes and institutions through which a state is accountable to its citizens. Elections are the ultimate forum of accountability for leaders, and all aspects of the process―the electoral machinery, the party system, and the logistics of the vote―need to function well if elections are to be free and fair.
Democratization is the process of making the transition to democracy. It depends on an effective legislature that is supported by strong constitutional and procedural systems and that is sustained by capable legislators, a free media, a strong civil society, and effective citizen engagement.
When democracy is weak, the needs and rights of the population are not represented and consequently are often overlooked or denied. This is particularly true for the rights of the most marginalized members of the population, such as the poor, minorities, women, and children, which further marginalizes them and prevents them from contributing to, or benefiting from, social and economic progress.
The goal of democratization is that all citizens are able to actively and meaningfully participate, directly or through civil society or elected representatives, in the exercise of power and in the public decisions that affect their lives. International assistance in democratization includes strengthening democratic institutions and practices, such as electoral and legislative systems; citizen engagement (particularly of women); and the role of non-governmental organizations (civil society) in the political process.
Source (CIDA)
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