Political Parties

Introduction to the Institute’s Programs

NDI’s political party development programs combine many techniques and strategies, ranging from consultations at the highest levels of party leadership to hands-on interactive training in political organizing for local party activists. They also incorporate cutting-edge tools like public opinion polling and membership databases that can enhance party activities and understanding of public concerns. Each program is tailored to a country’s political and cultural circumstances, as well as to the needs and interests of individual parties within that system. Typically, in a given country, the Institute works with a range of parties, seeking to foster the development of a broad spectrum of parties that effectively represent their members and advocate their respective positions.

In its political party development programs, the Institute works closely with international party groupings to build support for democratic political parties. The Institute is the only organization to have official standing in the three largest internationals: Centrist Democrat International (CDI), Liberal International (LI), and Socialist International (SI). Over the course of NDI’s work with the party internationals, the number of organizations involved in this partnership has grown to include the European party groups and other political party foundations and institutes. These relationships enable NDI to enlist established parties in sharing tried and tested democratic norms and organizing methods with parties in emerging democracies. One manifestation of this partnership is the recent manual “Minimum Standards for the Democratic Functioning of Parties.”

The Institute’s political party programs fall into five general areas: comparative research, party systems, internal organization and structure, elections and campaigning, and legislative performance. NDI’s work in each of these areas enables parties to foster closer connections to the public and develop policies that more effectively address citizens’ needs.

Comparative Research

Working effectively with political parties requires an understanding of the incentives that affect party leaders and shape prospects for reform. Through research into such issues as party law, candidate selection, and party finance, the Institute provides comparative information on various aspects of party politics, shedding light on possible approaches for the creation of more effective and inclusive parties and revealing potential obstacles. Many of these studies draw from academic analyses as well as practical party experiences.

Party Law

In democratic societies, the legal environment must be structured to support a vibrant political landscape. Clear and concise rules that define and protect the rights of individuals to establish, join and operate a political party are often required. Further, political parties often need assistance in developing rules and systems for funding their operations. This might include public subsidies, disclosure of donations and limits on expenditure. Sharing comparative international experiences in each of these areas, the Institute works with partner parties to define and reach agreement on appropriate rules through participatory and transparent dialogue.

Internal Organization and Structure

Political parties need clear internal management and communication structures that are well known and understood by members. Their survival also depends on their ability to recruit members, raise funds, and explain their principles and policies to members, the media, and the public. Further, more transparent and participative means of selecting candidates, electing leaders, and formulating policy can make parties more open, responsive and attractive to citizens. The Institute works with political parties to enhance their internal rules and procedures, strengthen their branches, improve membership outreach practices, and increase opportunities for participation by historically marginalized groups.

Political Parties in Parliament

Public perceptions of political parties are greatly influenced by the performance of parliamentary groups and individual members of the legislature. By effectively promoting their policy positions and consistently reaching out to the public through their elected officials, political parties can demonstrate their relevance and their ability to address citizens’ concerns. NDI works with party caucuses as they develop and implement their legislative agendas, work to solve their constituents’ problems, and publicize their accomplishments in the legislature.

Elections and Campaigning

Competitive campaigns offer voters a meaningful choice among the different contestants for public office, tying elections more effectively to citizens’ interests. Election monitoring helps political parties to limit electoral irregularities and to collect the information required to resolve any concerns about the election process through peaceful and legal means. NDI equips parties with the tools to develop more effective campaign strategies, improve outreach to voters and to strengthen their pollwatching efforts. This assistance helps to ensure that elections are not only competitive, but also produce outcomes that can be accepted by all sides.