MISSION
Successful leadership transitions are fundamental to the integrity of the democratic process, occurring at a point when institutions can be tested. They are especially critical in consolidating democracies, as the failure to communicate and deliver on voter expectations following an election has the potential to reduce incentives and erode confidence in the democratic process.
A successful transition of power will ensure a new leader is ready and able to govern from day one, and that their administration understands the functions and operations of the government in order to begin implementing policies quickly and effectively. Likewise, smooth transitions will help outgoing leaders solidify their legacy, while promoting mechanisms that ensure institutional integrity, ethics, and transparency during a vulnerable period. When governments have the necessary resources and tools to ensure a seamless transfer of executive power, they are more likely to sustain strong governance and democratic consolidation in the long term, while also staying true to promises for citizen reform.
The mission of this website is to provide a collective resource library of reports and tools produced by global democracy partners and experts. These resources are designed to outline guidance and support for smooth transitions and effective executive operations following democratic elections. Resources on this site are targeted for operational use by stakeholders involved in transitions, from government leaders, advisers, and civil service operating inside the transition; to civil society organizations and international community partners supporting the transition from the outside.
Photo: Getty Images
Liberia’s president-elect George Weah (L) shakes hands with the country’s outgoing president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on the eve of Weah’s inauguration.
“Effective executive transitions matter to the quality of a good start. They help avert wasted time walking back an action that could have been avoided.”