International IDEA has developed a significant understanding of political parties based on the systematic collation of information on over 300 political parties in over 50 countries. Its worldwide research and dialogue project on political parties examines the internal functioning of political parties as well as the external environment and regulations that govern them. By applying this knowledge, International IDEA is able to make a further contribution to democracy building by placing a greater emphasis on strengthening political parties in its own work and in discussions with partners and donors. Together with political parties and research partners, the project has produced a series of reports covering Africa, South Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe.
Key issues of the project are:
- the internal functioning of parties, including leadership structures, the role of membership and the rules governing internal democracy;
- the representation of women, youth and other under-represented groups;
- candidate selection;
- policy development; and
- funding, training and management practices.
The underlying principle of our work is that political parties should be free to form and function. For this reason, part of the research addresses the external laws and regulations governing political parties, and the overall environment in which they function.
International IDEA aims to identify the best approach to reform and develop political parties in order for them to become more effective, trusted, responsive and representative bodies in the democratization process.
In 2007, International IDEA’s research and dialogue on political parties aims to develop:
- Options for improving the effectiveness of political parties and for improving their accountability. These proposals will have been tested in at least two regions.
- Best practice in the management practices of political parties (internal democracy, policy development, quotas etc) as well as in their relations with civil society.
- Tools for increasing political representation, influence and engagement in political parties by traditionally under-represented groups such as women, youth and minorities.
- Principles on norms, minimum standards and guidelines on the role, conduct and functioning of political parties, to be either voluntarily adopted or legally enforced.
