Democracy

The "labeling problem" is particularly applicable when assessing democracy: A variety of definitions exists, including minimalist assessments that only take into account the existence of certain key institutions such as peaceful transition of leadership based on elections. Broader definitions assess the enjoyment and protection of a wide range of political and civil rights within a country. Disagreements also exist about the manifestations of democracy, for example, to what degree Western-style versions should take preeminence over localized practices and norms.

Critical in any debate on assessing democracy is that the assessment process itself becomes a democratic exercise based on principles of participation, representativeness, accountability and inclusion of the voices of the poor, women and marginalized.