Democratic Governance

Strategic approach to Democratic Governance: Developing capacity within the four organs of sovereignty and increasing citizen participation

The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, which took effect in May 20,2002, provides for basic fundamental rights and freedoms in a democratic and pluralistic society. The Constitution mandates a classic democratic state with a semi-presidential regime, stating that the country’s “sovereignty rests with the people” and that the state is manifested in four separate “organs of sovereignty” which provide for essential checks and balances, safe-guarding citizens’ rights, and the separation of powers. These constitutional “organs of sovereignty” are the Presidency, the National Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary.

UNDP’s strategic approach to democratic governance in Timor-Leste is aligned with the constitutional separation and balance of powers. UNDP works in partnership with the Government to build capacities within the four organs of sovereignty with the objective of strengthening both the efficiency and the accountability of each institution through a strengthening of the democratic system of checks and balances as defined in the Constitution. UNDP’s capacity development programmes for state institutions are guided by the ‘three pillar strategy’ which focuses on: the enhancement of knowledge and skills; systems and processes; and attitudes and behavior. As part of its approach to capacity development, all Democratic Governance programmes seek to strengthen the mainstreaming of gender and human rights into its activities.

The following are the main programming areas of the Democratic Governance Unit: Office of the President; parliament; civil service; local governance; justice; elections; the media; and civil society. UNDP has ongoing projects in each of these sectors other than civil society; UNDP’s project in this area is currently coming to an end and the next project is being designed in consultation with stakeholders and development partners.