I believe that more than half of the world’s population live under autocratic or partly free governments, denied full civil liberties and unable to freely participate in political life.

A country cannot be truly democratic until its citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives through elections that are free and fair.

Critical development efforts cannot succeed without a legitimate and democratically elected government that is responsive and accountable to its citizens. Elections provide an important opportunity to advance democratization and encourage political liberalization.
For an election to be free and fair, certain civil liberties, such as the freedoms of speech, association and assembly, are required.
Elections can be a primary tool to foster political openings and expand political participation.
Electoral processes offer political parties and civic groups an opportunity to mobilize and organize supporters and share alternative platforms with the public.
Elections also serve to encourage political debate and public dialogue.


I will support for fair, safe, and secure elections for those reasons