3.8. The overall risk assessment of intervention
Principal risks in the programming period are highly political. If left unchecked these political challenges risk spiralling into major social and developmental set-backs. Political pressure to deliver immediate, tangible results and accelerate implementation of reforms ('quick wins') ahead of the general elections in 2015 remains considerable. Balancing this political imperative with the need to allow time for more measured decisions informed by sound evidence and thorough analysis remains a key challenge, and this may affect the quality of sector planning. It is difficult to foresee a smooth transition of authority resulting from the elections in 2015. A change of government after the 2015 elections may lead to substantial alterations to strategies that have been devised thus far. This risk is moderate as new policies and strategies proposed by the government, often following consultations with development partners to adhere to international standards, are discussed in parliament where representatives of the opposition also sit.