While political stability and significant progress in democratization have spurred economic investments and social improvements, challenges remain. The weakness of many institutions, some fundamental to the further development of democracy and intrinsic to the rule of law, inhibits effective citizen representation and the provision of public services. For example, while the multiparty legislature has steadily improved its legislative and analytical capabilities, the legislators' links with constituents, particularly in rural areas, remain weak. With the exception of the Supreme Court, the judiciary remains largely dysfunctional.
Civil society is stronger and more vocal but remains financially dependent on external donors.
In many rural areas, the people-level impact of democracy is difficult to discern. This program contributes directly and significantly to U.S. national interests, as identified in the U.S. Embassy's Mission Performance Plan, by supporting the institutionalization of democracy through activities promoting democratic pluralism, accountability of democratic institutions, and respect for human rights. Mozambique's second multiparty general elections, held in December 1999, were an extremely significant milestone in continued democratic consolidation. Two notable facts have emerged. First, the presidential election was extremely close, with a margin of victory of less than five percentage points.