PUBLIC LAW 106-309 —OCT. 17, 2000 114 STAT. 1091 (9) Competent and independent judiciary, founded on a merit-based selection process and trained to enforce contracts and protect property rights, is critical for creating a predictable and consistent environment for transparency in legal procedures. (10) Independent and accountable legislatures, responsive political parties, and transparent electoral processes, in conjunction with professional, accountable, and transparent financial management and procurement policies and procedures, are essential to the promotion of good governance and to the combat of corruption. (11) Transparent business frameworks, including modern commercial codes and intellectual property rights, are vital to enhancing economic growth and decreasing corruption at all levels of society. (12) The United States should attempt to improve accountability in foreign countries, including by— (A) promoting transparency and accountability through support for independent media, promoting financial disclosure by public officials, political parties, and candidates for public office, open budgeting processes, adequate and effective internal control systems, suitable financial management systems, and financial and compliance reporting; (B) supporting the establishment of audit offices, inspectors general offices, third party monitoring of government procurement processes, and anti-corruption agencies; (C) promoting responsive, transparent, and accountable legislatures that ensure legislative oversight and whistleblower protection; (D) promoting judicial reforms that criminalize corruption and promoting law enforcement that prosecutes corruption; (E) fostering business practices that promote transparent, ethical, and competitive behavior in the private sector through the development of an effective legal framework for commerce, including anti-bribery laws, commercial codes that incorporate international standards for business practices, and protection of intellectual property rights; and (F) promoting free and fair national, state, and local elections. (b) PURPOSE. —The purpose of this title is to ensure that United States assistance programs promote good governance by assisting other countries to combat corruption throughout society and to improve transparency and accountability at all levels of government and throughout the private sector. SEC. 203. DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE POLICY. (a) GENERAL POLICY,—Section 101(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151(a)) is amended in the fifth sentence— (1) by striking "four" and inserting "five"; (2) by striking "and" at the end of paragraph (3); (3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and (4) by adding at the end the following:
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