Democratic Processes that build citizen relationships

Sphere 1 is concerned with Democratic processes that build citizen-state relationships. Democratic processes and principles include grand values and practices such as the separation of powers (Legislative, Judicial and Executive), ensuring regular, free and fair elections, due process, rule of law and the principle of impartiality in the implementation of public policies. They also include concrete processes such as the right to vote, election to public office, and the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances. This sphere is distinct in nature from sphere 2 and 3, as it specifically targets government institutions and how to ensure coalitions between reform-minded institutions and actors in government and civil society. It involves capacity development of government when necessary to facilitate better citizen-state relationships. The sphere has a “citizens first” perspective, and focuses on the interface between citizens and government institutions. This means that citizens’ satisfaction (or lack of the same) with government services and performance is the starting point (including performance by political parties and political representatives); as well as monitoring citizens’ perception of inclusion in decision-making processes (including political decision-making processes). The interventions include supporting and facilitating more and better quality opportunities for dialogue and exchange between state and citizens and between political parties and representatives and citizens and by promoting legal and institutional changes that improve the framework for accountability and participatory decision-making and provide better incentives for collaboration among different actors.