UK launches election 鈥榟ow to鈥� guide to support democracy
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne and Department for International Development Minister Stephen O鈥橞rien set out the Government approach to supporting democracy and free and fair elections overseas.
At an event at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), sponsored by Electoral Reform International Services and attended by MPs, NGOs and academics, both Ministers gave speeches arguing that elections are integral to democracy. Watch the video below or read .
They also said that elections are just one part of supporting democracy, which also requires the rule of law, freedom from discrimination, freedom of expression, civil society and strong democratic institutions.
The was also published today. It will be used by FCO and DFID staff to help elections meet international standards.
Stephen O鈥橞rien, Minister for International Development, said:
鈥淭he right to vote is a fundamental human right regardless of where you live. Many of the world鈥檚 poorest people have no power - no power to shape their own life, no power to make sure government policy meets their needs and no power to hold their leaders to account.
鈥淒emocracy can help pull countries out of poverty and this guide is a practical tool for aid workers and diplomats to provide assistance based on where countries have succeeded and failed when running elections.
鈥淪imple schemes, such as anti-violence car bumper stickers in Malawi鈥檚 2009 election, can help create a calm environment and allow people to exercise their right to vote in safety.
鈥淒FID aid workers will be able to add to the guide with their experiences so we can support democracy in the most effective way possible.鈥�
Jeremy Browne, Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said:
鈥淓lections are important for two fundamental reasons: firstly, so that individuals can make choices about how their lives are governed; and secondly, so that individuals can hold the state to account. Credible elections enable this; they reflect the views of the population and ensure that those views are respected by those chosen to represent them.
鈥淒emocracy is integral to our wider foreign policy and we will take a practical approach focusing on where we can have impact while upholding democratic principles in all contexts.鈥�