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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL PARTIES Women and Political Parties

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL PARTIES Women and Political Parties. The National Democratic Institute. Introductions/ Ground rules. Introductions Ground rules Ice breaker exercise. Introduction to Political Parties Objectives. To understand the roles, functions and organization of parties

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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL PARTIES Women and Political Parties

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  1. INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL PARTIESWomen and Political Parties The National Democratic Institute

  2. Introductions/Ground rules • Introductions • Ground rules • Ice breaker exercise

  3. Introduction to Political Parties Objectives • To understand the roles, functions and organization of parties • To consider the importance of internal democracy to increase representation of women Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

  4. Introduction to political Parties Topics • Roles of political parties • Party elements and functions • Internal party democracy • Women’s participation

  5. Key Terms • Political party • Democracy • Ruling party • Opposition • Transparency • Other terms? Photo: NDI

  6. EXERCISE: ROLES OF POLITICAL PARTIES • What are the basic roles of parties in a democracy? Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

  7. ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES • Competing in elections to gain influence • Aggregating and representing social interests • Providing a structure for political participation • Providing policy alternatives • Training political leaders

  8. PARTIES AND CITIZENS Meaningful choices in governance Citizens Political Parties Avenues for political participation Exert pressure on the political system Put local concerns in a national context

  9. CIVIL SOCIETY AND PARTIES • CSOs: all groups outside government • Can play an active role in politics • Focus on fewer issues • Do not seek political office • Can work with a range of parties Photo: NDI

  10. PARTIES AND ELECTIONS • Communicate competing policies • Provide candidates • Engage in debate • Foster citizen participation • Get out the vote • Set electoral rules • Promote electoral integrity • Abide by results

  11. PARTIES IN PARLIAMENT AND LOCAL BODIES • Implement legislative agenda • Address citizens’ concerns • Party discipline • Committee work • Coalitions Photo: NDI

  12. PARTIES IN GOVERNMENT • Run affairs of country • Develop and implement policy • Oversee government agencies • Account for funds • Deliver on campaign promises

  13. PARTIES IN OPPOSITION • Contribute to accountability • Monitor government actions • Propose policy alternatives • Seek compromise and solutions Photo: NDI

  14. NEED FOR PARTIES • Political parties are not perfect but… • Scattering of individuals wouldn’t function • Groups would take on party characteristics • No other institution represents citizens’ interests as well

  15. DIVERSITY AMONG PARTIES • Size • Funding • Penetration within the country • Ethnic makeup • Ideology • Governing vs. opposition

  16. NATIONAL PARTIES Map: Wikipedia

  17. PARTY ELEMENTS AND FUNCTIONS • Constitution • Internal structure and communications • Branches • Subgroups • Leadership selection • Platform/policy development • Membership • Funding

  18. Party Constitution Defines philosophy, values, principles purpose Defines internal organization and structure Outlines internal decision-making process Membership eligibility Leadership positions and selection process Roles and relationship among different units CONSTITUTION

  19. EXERCISE: EXPLORING CONSTITUTIONS • Political philosophy/values • Internal organization/structure • Decision-making process • Membership • Leadership positions and selection

  20. PARTY STRUCTURE

  21. PARTY BRANCHES Party Leadership Branch Leaders and Members Party’s position on issues Party Leadership Have defined roles and responsibilities Understand the party’s mission, goals and strategies Advice on how to discuss difficult/controversial issues Report information to leadership Info about political events/developments Engage leaders in exchange of ideas and decision-making

  22. PARTY SUBGROUPS

  23. LEADERSHIP SELECTION • Indirect or direct elections • Party conventions • Term limits • Representation of women, youth, etc. Photo: NDI

  24. POLICY DEVELOPMENT Policy developed/informed by: • Party research staff • Ad hoc group of experts and party members • Consultations and/or public forums

  25. MEMBERSHIP Member rights • Elect the party leadership • Participate in candidate selection • Access party-only forums • Receive special information Photo: NDI

  26. MEMBERSHIP Member responsibilities • Contribute to and know policies and platform • Understand constitution and organization • Ensure party reflects their interests • Hold leaders accountable

  27. PARTY FUNDING • Private • Membership fees • Donations from members, organizations and businesses • Revenue generating projects/events • Public • Direct • Indirect Photo: www.pixabay.com

  28. EXERCISE: ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS FACTORS • Characteristics of an effective party • Why are they important? • What are the consequences if they are lacking? Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

  29. ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS FACTORS • Transparent decision-making procedures • Understood roles and responsibilities • Clear and frequent communication

  30. INTERNAL PARTY DEMOCRACY • Abiding by rules of procedure • Holding leaders accountable • Seeking views of members • Encouraging participation of all • Representing all of society

  31. EXERCISE: PARTY TRIANGLE

  32. WHY WOMEN? • Higher standards of living • Concerns of marginalized voters represented • Collaborative leadership styles • Work across party lines • Peace building • Better decisions

  33. WHY DO PARTIES NEED WOMEN? • To gain party supporters and mobilize resources • To help develop a platform that includes interests of all voters • To win elections! Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

  34. WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION

  35. WOMEN’S WING STRUCTURE • National, regional, local branches • Linkage to “mother party” • Representation on decision-making bodies • Funding and resources • Risk: can marginalize women

  36. EXERCISE: WHAT CAN A WOMEN’S WING DO? Photo: NDI

  37. WOMEN’S WINGS • Build awareness of gender frameworks • Draft gender equality policies and lobby for and monitor their implementation • Network with women from other parties • Identify and engage male allies • Train women • Encourage and fund women candidates • Lobby leaders on women’s issues

  38. WOMEN’S PARTIES • Formed in many countries • Success has been limited • Prompted discussions on women's rights and political participation Photo: Katie Croake, NDI

  39. INTRODUCTION TO PARTIES REVIEW • Effective parties are cornerstone of democracy and • represent social interests and provide policy choices • vary but have common structures • are transparent, democratic and communicative • promote the participation of women

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