Not only is democratic
governance central to the achievement of MDGs, but as a core
practice area of UNDP efforts, promoting democratic institutions and
strengthening rule of law creates an enabling environment where the
state is able to enforce respect for human rights and foster a
thriving civil society which allow a country to move towards
quantifiable, home grown development goals that result from a
methodical approach towards negotiations and consultations amongst
pertinent stakeholders. UNDP's core services to support national
processes of democratic transitions focus on: (i) policy advice and
technical support; (ii) strengthening capacity of institutions and
individuals (iii) advocacy, communications, and public information;
(iv) promoting and brokering dialogue; and (v) knowledge networking
and sharing of good practices.
The Kingdom, under the
auspices of H.M. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa put the National
Action Charter – considered the blueprint for democratic reforms in
the country – to referendum. It was passed by an overwhelming 94.8%
of voters in February 2001. The political reform agenda included
municipal and parliamentary elections, the most recent of which
witnessed the participation of women, not only as voters but as
viable competitors to their male counterparts. In addition to the
creation of an independent judiciary, a bicameral legislature was
established with an appointed body (Shura Council) and an elected
house (Consultative Council). UNDP is supporting Bahrain’s reform
agenda through numerous capacity building measures and enhancing
democratic and good governance principles by implementing a
participatory approach to policy development. This comprehensive
initiative is elaborated through the following projects:
