Political Parties Development Project

The Political Parties Development Project strengthens democracy by helping political parties create policies that are inclusive, research-driven, and responsive to citizens' concerns.  Such changes will lead to greater confidence in the role of government and the democratic process.  The program especially encourages women and young adults under the age of 35 to engage in the political process.
 
Objectives
 
Using a bottom-up approach, the Political Parties Development Project works with grassroots party members and leaders on policy and platform development that reflect local input. Broader participation will lead to policies that are more responsive to constituents' priorities and higher voter turnout.
 
Main Activities
  • Work with political parties, including marginalized groups, particularly women and young adults, to strengthen their ability to participate effectively in the policy development process.
  • Support public opinion research.
  • Help working groups conduct research and draft policies that respond to issues identified by members at the grassroots level.
  • Help parties organize conferences through which they can present policies under consideration to members.
  • Train party leaders and activists to effectively communicate democratically-developed policies.
  • Assist in the establishment of an independent opinion research facility that meets international standards.
  • Engage party leaders and grassroots members in a policy development process that will ultimately lead to more informed policies that have broader public buy-in
  • Train polling agents.