them. Related to the strengthened capacity of CSOs is the need to enhance capacity building in corporate governance. Institutions such as the Investment Promotion Centre (CPI) need strengthening. Measures should also be taken to strengthen the capital market. clii. In Mozambique, as elsewhere in Africa, capacity building will depend mainly on the state playing a leading role in its implementation. In this respect, the government should articulate a comprehensive strategy for capacity building within the state organs; coordinate efforts; and empower and motivate other institutions in society to play their role, all the while monitoring the entire process. A national mechanism composed of senior officials from the government and all stakeholders would be required to monitor and evaluate progress in this area. 4.12 Elections cliii. The litmus test of the electoral process is whether a peaceful change in government is possible. Beyond formal party pluralism, the opposition should have a real chance of winning the next elections. In other words, democracy and elections go hand in hand. Ironically, the lesson emerging so far from experiences in SSA with multiparty democracy is that it is possible to have elections but no democracy. While in principle many African citizens are now free to choose their own leaders, in a substantial number of cases incumbent leaders have found ways to manipulate and win electoral mandates, despite clamping down on political liberties and participation. Furthermore, political freedoms and civil rights may be formally recognised, but imperfectly observed in practice, particularly in the periods between elections. cliv. Mozambique is not exempt from accusations of electoral malpractices. Admirably, while all elections since the introduction of multiparty democracy have been marred by accusations of fraud, the government has responded by pursuing the reform of electoral instruments, strengthening electoral bodies and installing a state council consisting of representatives from different political parties and civil society. These measures should be understood as statements of Mozambique’s commitment to consolidating democracy, while also documenting its willingness to uphold international standards. However, still more needs to be done to strengthen the electoral system and processes, and in particular to promote the accountability of the elected representatives to the electorate. clv. Mozambique’s parliamentary system, which lacks direct representation, has left citizens without the leverage to influence their parliamentary representatives or hold them to account. Not surprisingly, the country’s General Assembly has been very ineffective in holding the Executive to account. This situation has not been helped by the current conflation of government and leading party. 32 A P R M COU N T RY R EV IEW R EP ORT NO. 11