Eligible countries

The Board shall determine whether a candidate country is an eligible country for purposes of this section. Such determination shall be based, to the maximum extent possible, upon objective and quantifiable indicators of a country’s demonstrated commitment to the criteria in subsection (b), and shall, where appropriate, take into account and assess the role of women and girls. A determination whether a country is eligible for a subsequent, non-concurrent Millennium Challenge Compact shall also be based, to the extent practicable, on significantly improved performance across the criteria in subsection (b) that, at a minimum, are relevant to the preceding Compact, compared to the country’s performance with respect to such criteria when selected for such preceding Compact. A candidate country should be considered to be an eligible country for purposes of this section if the Board determines that the country has demonstrated a commitment to— just and democratic governance, including a demonstrated commitment to— economic freedom, including a demonstrated commitment to economic policies that— investments in the people of such country, particularly women and children, including programs that— At the time the Board determines eligible countries under this section for a fiscal year, the Board shall select those eligible countries with respect to which the United States will initially seek to enter into a Millennium Challenge Compact pursuant to section 7708 of this title. In selecting eligible countries under paragraph (1), the Board shall prioritize need and impact by considering the following factors: For the 7-year period beginning on April 23, 2018, before the Board selects an eligible country for a Compact under subsection (c), the Corporation shall provide information to the Board regarding the country’s treatment of civil society, including classified information, as appropriate. The information shall include an assessment and analysis of factors including— The criteria and methodology submitted by the Board to Congress and published in the Federal Register under section 7707(b)(2) of this title with respect to a fiscal year shall remain fixed for purposes of eligibility determinations for such year. As appropriate, the Board, acting through the Chief Executive Officer, shall review the eligibility criteria and methodology and modify such criteria and methodology in subsequent years consistent with section 7707(b) of this title.