DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE: A 2-PRONGED STRATEGY

The 14-year civil conflict affected Liberia basic political, social, and economic structures and systems and poor governance also resulted in the disregard for the rule of law which became virtually non-existent. Good governance is therefore considered key to re-establishing civil authority and the rule of law. Promoting good governance in all its aspects: ensuring the rule of law, improving the efficiency and accountability of the public sector, and eliminating corrupt practices are essential to the achievement of sustainable development.
In partnership with, USAID, the European Union, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, African Development Bank, and other UN agencies, UNDP is supporting the new Government of Liberia (GOL) in its reform agenda. UNDP's Governance Programme endeavors to support Liberia in improving the management of its public resources, enhancing public sector accountability and transparency, and developing greater public awareness about the need for and requirements of good governance. The 2-pronged strategy, encompassing the political and economic dimensions of governance and contributes to the on-going post-war national reconstruction and development efforts in Liberia.

Political Governance
UNDP is concentrating its efforts on building national capacity, and facilitating public sector reform through national and government institutions which promote transparency and accountability. Institutions include the Governance Commission, the Civil Service Agency, the Legislature, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, the Liberia Institute of Public Administration, and the General Auditing Office. These activities support the post-election national development and reform agenda such as the review of the constitution and administrative laws creating local government authority, and the transfer of fiscal and administrative authority to local government.

Economic Governance
UNDP's support focuses on reviewing the necessary policy instruments; developing pivotal policies and strategies to support national planning; efficient resource management; and the creation of an environment, which will enable private sector development, employment creation and growth. UNDP is providing technical and operational support to the formulation of a MDG-based PRS consultation process through the County Support Teams (CST), contributing to the establishment of a central database system at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, supporting the Liberia Reconstruction Plan, as well as aid coordination and resource mobilization.
UNDP assists with the production of baseline data and analysis to inform policy development and implementation, including the Liberian Poverty Reduction Strategy, and Liberia's progress report towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Governance Programme encompasses the following components:
1. Restoration of Government
2. Public Sector Reform & Anti-Corruption
3. Restoration of Rule of Law
4. Elections
5 . Micro-finance Initiative
6. Diamonds for Development