While elections are an essential part of the democratic process, elections alone are not enough to make a democracy. One free election does not change the political culture of a society overnight. Responding fully to the will of the people and building self-government-ensuring citizens continue participating in the political life of their nation-requires much longer-term work. Nonetheless, one of the most profound trends in world history today is the spread of democracy.
The Democracy Program works in three principal ways: conducting international election monitoring, strengthening the capacity of civic organizations to participate in government policy making, and promoting the rule of law. …
