The first component of the Development Program is the Election and Political Process Reform Program. Elections are an essential way to increase citizen participation in the government. Through fair and transparent elections, organized by an independent electoral body, citizens are able to choose local representatives and national leaders. In many countries, institutional reform that allows for free and fair elections is needed to make governments sufficiently participatory, reactive and accountable to the electorate. The underlying focus of the IIJD is to assist in establishing an independent and transparent electoral body, as well as to help draft and review electoral laws that strengthen democratic development. The IIJD also contributes by observing elections and offering advice and training about organizing and carrying out free and fair elections to governments as well as NGOs involved in the process.