International IDEA’s findings on the internal democracy of Colombian political parties provide the basis for improving their institutional development. This was the major conclusion of a needs assessment mission undertaken by International IDEA between 21-28 July 2007, with the help of researchers and professors from three different Colombian universities.
International IDEA programme officer James Gomez at a meeting with civil society groups in Colombia, organized by UNDP, in July 2007. Photo: IDEA
Colombia is currently going through a process of party institutionalization in order to avoid some of the political problems of neighbouring countries. Since 1991, attempts to improve the institutional basis of parties have been undertaken through specific changes to laws. These have largely focused on the party voting behaviour in parliament, but have not dealt significantly with the internal workings of parties, which is where International IDEA’s internal democracy project can make a contribution.
Those consulted felt that, although changes in the national law and party by-laws make a contribution to party institutionalization, not enough use has been made of these regulations. Training and capacity building are also required to effect any real change in how parties behave and operate.
With this in mind, the project on internal democracy is expected to provide a guide for the development of relevant capacity building material and activity that needs to take place in Colombia.
There is a low level of awareness among the population about the importance of institutionalizing political parties. Hence, additional measures must be undertaken to educate the public on the benefits for democracy. This could be done by engaging and working with the local media.
International IDEA presents opportunities to influence further revisions to the laws governing political parties and the electoral code in Colombia.
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