Asia democracy program strategy

It is based on recognition of: (1) the historical relationship of economic and democratic development; (2) the many economic and political advantages of a free society; and (3) the equal legitimacy of economic and political freedom, and the right of all peoples to control development policy through democratic means. The purpose of the ADP is the development and strengthening of sustainable democratic societies. The five elements of the ADP strategy are: (1) voice -- the development and strengthening of channels for popular influence on government and channels for the free dissemination of information and opinion); (2) choice -- free, fair, and meaningful elections; (3) governance -- effective, democratic, and open administration; (4) redress -- full protection for individual and group rights; and (5) accountability -- financially responsible government. In addition to these elements, ADP will directly and indirectly strive to improve the contextual preconditions for democracy through education and the development of more democratic political cultures. Factors determining the progress of sustainable democratic development include the historical experience of the peoples of the country, especially their experience with democratic institutions. They also include the political culture of the peoples, the ethnic and religious cleavages within the society, and the extent to which the state is regarded as legitimate by constituent peoples. The outlook for democratic development is brighter to the extent that governmental institutions are efficient and capable, the rule of law exists, the class structure is supportive, and regional and worldwide trends are toward democracy. Programs for sustainable democratic development are expected to include efforts to improve electoral process, develop more varied and impartial communications media, and strengthen public advocacy and constituent advocacy non-governmental organizations. Programs will be developed to improve the capability of both legislatures and bureaucracies, and to extend judicial protection to all people in a society. Educational efforts of many kinds support democratic growth, particularly efforts targeted on expanding civic consciousness and knowledge of democratic experience and democratic developments outside host countries. Democracy will be fostered by the development of social science capabilities, particularly policy analysis, the analysis and presentation of data on the state of the society and trends in its development, and opinion survey research and analysis. ADP country strategies will be developed in accordance with the principles of noninterference in the affairs of the host country and full intergovernmental and public disclosure of programs and policies. They will be planned and carried out in cooperation with representatives from the Embassy and other in-country American governmental organizations. In so far as it is discovered that ADP objectives are already met by existing activities, these will be coordinated with new initiatives under ADP. (Author abstract, modified)