In 2013, Tunisia’s democratic transition was under serious threat. The assassination of opposition politicians, Chokri Belaid (February 2013) and Mohamed Brahmi (July 2013), precipitated widespread protest and social unrest, which led to the collapse of the government of Hamdi Jebali and paralyzed the National Constituent Assembly. After President Mohamed Morsi was ousted in Egypt in July 2013, many feared that Tunisia would see a return to authoritarianism or a descent into anarchy. Trust between political parties was at an all-time low and political polarization was seemingly entrenched.

The 1990s was a difficult decade for Peru. Political violence and an economic crisis led to a weakening of the political party system and deep citizen mistrust of democracy and politics. The following decade saw further challenges, beginning with a transitioning government after the fall of President Fujimori’s regime and efforts to promote democracy and citizens’ trust. Social demands were not always appropriately met, and hundreds of social conflicts erupted. This all generated an overall atmosphere of mistrust in political parties and politicians.

Following decades of military rule and local armed conflicts, the 2015 elections represented a significant turning point for Myanmar, which is now undergoing its democratic transition. In 2013, Myanmar’s Union Election Commission (UEC) started to engage with political parties to prepare for the elections. Given the strength of the opposition since the 2012 by-elections and country’s electoral history, which until 2010 involved overturning election results and incarcerating members of political parties, the level of trust between the political parties and the UEC was low.

Elections in Ghana have been fraught with acts of intimidation and violence, thuggery, acrimony and rancor since 1992, leading to the wanton destruction of property and a number of casualties. Ballot boxes have also been snatched and destroyed on election days.

Despite Georgia’s turbulent political past, the country has made significant democratic progress. It has made commendable efforts to curb corruption and increase the effectiveness of the bureaucracy. Plurality and political competition, as well as the peaceful change of government in 2012 and the well-organized, free elections in October 2016 provide solid foundations for future progress.

Read this Report on the Panel discussion: Confronting election-related crises through political dialogue. A Presentation of a Facilitator’s Guide for Dialogues on Voluntary Codes of Conduct for Political Parties in Elections, 7 March 2018, Brussels.

Below are examples of codes of conduct for political parties in selected countries. Most of these were adopted through voluntary dialogue processes between political parties prior to elections; while others are examples of either mediated agreements to resolve specific electoral disputes or statutory codes of conducts.

Links to other resources

1. Model Code of Conduct for the Guidance of Political Parties and Candidates, India 
2. Interparty dialogue skills and training module