Good and democratic governance 2. Good and democratic governance serves the needs and interests of a State’s entire population. While democracy implies majority rule in political decision-making, it also includes safeguards against the abuse of majority power. This is achieved by ensuring the protection and participation of minorities, and by facilitating inclusive processes of governance that involve all members of the population. Pluralistic democracy, separation of powers, the rule of law and respect for human rights, inextricably linked to one another, are preconditions for lasting peace, security and justice. All OSCE participating States are committed to democracy, including political pluralism, as a fundamental principle through their legal and political obligations.3 Since the authority of government is based on the will of the people4, this implies that everyone has the right to take part in public affairs. This in turn requires that representative institutions exist at all levels.5 Democracy – and the governance informed by its principles – targets and protects the entire population of a State, irrespective of cultural, social, economic, linguistic, ethnic or religious differences or background. States must fully respect the rule of law and international minority rights standards, including those regarding the effective participation of minorities.6 Therefore, democratic decision-making processes enable everyone to effectively participate and voice their opinion, including those who are in a structurally unequal position.7 Good and democratic governance might require participatory forms of decision-making that proactively reach out to groups that would otherwise be marginalized. 3 4 5 6 7 Copenhagen Document, Preamble and paragraphs 5 and 6. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 21(3). Inter-Parliamentary Union, Universal Declaration on Democracy, 1997 (hereinafter: “UDD”), paragraph 11. The Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public Life, 1999 (hereinafter: “Lund Recommendations”), Recommendation 2. See, inter alia, the 2008 Advisory Committee’s Commentary on the effective participation of persons belonging to national minorities in cultural, social and economic life and in public affairs (hereinafter: “Commentary on Participation”). Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies 9