A tradition of strong and effective leadership transitions is fundamental to the strength of global democracies
In the global effort to uphold democratic institutions, focus is often paid to ensuring electoral integrity. Far less attention is often awarded to the processes occurring after a new leader is elected, which marks a critical time for new executives and their teams to develop mechanisms that support effective leadership from day one. For new or consolidating democracies, the experience of transferring or preparing to transfer power after an election, especially if that transfer occurs between a longstanding party or leader to an opposition candidate or coalition, requires significant focus on mechanisms that support sustainable, democratic governance. Effective transitions provide an opportunity to showcase the ways that democratic processes can ensure continuity and sustainability in governance despite shifts in leadership.