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Chapter II. Champion Aspirations for Human Dignity

 Section C. The Way Ahead - 2.  Explaining the Goal:  Promoting Effective Democracies

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             As tyrannies give way, we must help newly free nations build effective democracies:  

             states that are respectful of human dignity, accountable to their citizens, and responsible

             towards their neighbors.  Effective democracies:

             

             ·  Honor and uphold basic human rights, including freedom of religion, conscience,

                   speech, assembly, association, and press;

             

             ·  Are responsive to their citizens, submitting to the will of the people, especially when

                   people vote to change their government;

 

             ·  Exercise effective sovereignty and maintain order within their own borders, protect

                   independent and impartial systems of justice, punish crime, embrace the rule of law,

                   and resist corruption; and  

 

             ·  Limit the reach of government, protecting the institutions of civil society, including

                   the family, religious communities, voluntary associations, private property,

                   independent business, and a market economy.

 

             In effective democracies, freedom is indivisible.  Political, religious, and economic

             liberty advance together and reinforce each other.  Some regimes have opened their

             economies while trying to restrict political or religious freedoms.  This will not work.  

             Over time, as people gain control over their economic lives, they will insist on more

             control over their political and personal lives as well.  Yet political progress can be

             jeopardized if economic progress does not keep pace.  We will harness the tools of

             economic assistance, development aid, trade, and good governance to help ensure that

             new democracies are not burdened with economic stagnation or endemic corruption.

 

National Security Strategy 4

 

        Elections are the most visible sign of a free society and can play a critical role in

        advancing effective democracy.  But elections alone are not enough ­ they must be

        reinforced by other values, rights, and institutions to bring about lasting freedom.  Our

        goal is human liberty protected by democratic institutions.

         

        Participation in elections by individuals or parties must include their commitment to the

        equality of all citizens; minority rights; civil liberties; voluntary and peaceful transfer of

        power; and the peaceful resolution of differences.  Effective democracy also requires

        institutions that can protect individual liberty and ensure that the government is

        responsive and accountable to its citizens.  There must be an independent media to

        inform the public and facilitate the free exchange of ideas.  There must be political

        associations and political parties that can freely compete.  Rule of law must be reinforced

        by an independent judiciary, a professional legal establishment, and an honest and

        competent police force.  

         

        These principles are tested by the victory of Hamas candidates in the recent elections in

        the Palestinian territories.  The Palestinian people voted in a process that was free, fair,

        and inclusive.

         

        The Palestinian people having made their choice at the polls, the burden now shifts to

        those whom they have elected to take the steps necessary to advance peace, prosperity,

        and statehood for the Palestinian people.  Hamas has been designated as a terrorist

        organization by the United States and European Union (EU) because it has embraced

        terrorism and deliberately killed innocent civilians.  The international community has

        made clear that there is a fundamental contradiction between armed group and militia

        activities and the building of a democratic state.  The international community has also

        made clear that a two-state solution to the conflict requires all participants in the

        democratic process to renounce violence and terror, accept Israel's right to exist, and

        disarm as outlined in the Roadmap.  These requirements are clear, firm, and of long

        standing.  The opportunity for peace and statehood ­ a consistent goal of this

        Administration ­ is open if Hamas will abandon its terrorist roots and change its

        relationship with Israel.

         

        The elected Hamas representatives also have an opportunity and a responsibility to

        uphold the principles of democratic government, including protection of minority rights

        and basic freedoms and a commitment to a recurring, free, and fair electoral process.  By

        respecting these principles, the new Palestinian leaders can demonstrate their own

        commitment to freedom and help bring a lasting democracy to the Palestinian territories.  

        But any elected government that refuses to honor these principles cannot be considered

        fully democratic, however it may have taken office.  

         

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