Democratization I n 2004, the ODIHR strengthened its focus in democratization assistance on longerterm programmes rather than shortterm projects. In 2005, this approach was consolidated through the development of a project identification methodology based on the requirement for a needs assessment (see box on p. 20) prior to undertaking project activities. This ensures that the best use is made of the Organization’s financial, human, and time resources. k Responsibility means that governments can be held accountable by their own societies. While this is most visible at the time of elections, a democratically governed country has been described, between elections, as “a daily plebiscite”. Responsible governments govern in accordance with the rule of law, where laws are open, well-known, and apply equally to all. Procedures should ensure that political minorities can contribute effectively to an inclusive lawmaking process and that a culture of boycotts and non-participation is avoided. Democratization assistance In assisting participating States with institution-building, the ODIHR’s aim is to help governments become more responsive, responsible, and representative. k Responsiveness means that governments are able to react to the demands and needs of society at large, are open to effective interaction with civil society and various interest groups, and are able to take a variety of views and interests into consideration in the policy- and lawmaking processes. In this respect, transparency in the work of governments is critical to making them responsive. To assist governments in enhancing their responsiveness, the ODIHR supports improving legislative processes to ensure that relevant stakeholders, including civil society, play a part in debating and commenting on draft legislation, so that it reflects public needs. In addition, the ODIHR is prepared to lend assistance to political parties in their attempt to be more responsive to their membership and help build co-operative relationships between governments and civil society, enabling non-governmental organizations to become a trusted and reliable source of advice, thereby enhancing the responsiveness of governments. ANNUAL REPORT 2005 k Representativeness means that, while governments are responsive to public needs, they also represent distinct political interests, values, ideas, and programmes, not only during election periods, but also between elections. Representative governments work on institutionalizing political life and public political participation through legitimate institutions such as political parties, thus simplifying and clarifying political choices faced by individual citizens. In its work on the participation of women in democratic processes, for example, the ODIHR encourages politicians to incorporate the concerns of women into their pre-election agenda and also to implement this agenda once voted into office rather than abandoning it in favour of more popular or parochial issues. Similarly, in its work on promoting multi-party democracy, the ODIHR assists parties in the development and clarification of their platforms so as to make clear to the public what ideas and values they represent. 19