Strengthening the Democratic Process in Turkey
NDI has been working in Turkey for almost four years to promote openness and accountability in the political process along with development of a strong dynamic civil society. Through a small office in Ankara and in partnership with local nongovernmental organizations NDI has focused its efforts around making Parliament a more effective and more respected body.
Ethics
NDI has worked with numerous partners in developing awareness of the need for standards of professional conduct in the Turkish Parliament and programs to promote their adoption. NDI's programs have included public seminars and workshops, assistance with the drafting of legislation, presentations by foreign experts before committees of Parliament, and comparative research of other Parliamentary systems. NDI's partners have included but not been limited to: the Turkish Economic and Social Research Foundation (TESEV), the Anatolian Strategic Research Foundation (ASRF), the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESAV), the Turkish Association of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSIAD), the Turkish Democracy Foundation (TDV), The Turkish Social, Economic and Political Research Foundation (TUSES), and the Turkish Parliamentarians Union (TMV).
The creation of code of conduct and a process of enforcement is part of the platform of the current government coalition but has yet to be placed on the agenda of Parliament.
Government Transparency
NDI has conducted a series of programs for Parliament and civil society organizations on the subjects of transparency and accountability in the legislative and political processes. Programs have examined public access to information, the role of the news media in assuring transparency, public monitoring of elected officials and the use of freedom of information procedures to minimize corruption.
NDI has also conducted programs on issues related to constitutional reform including those concerning public involvement in the consideration of amendments, legislative immunity and the role of the office of President.
Finally, along with TESAV, NDI has cosponsored a series of working meetings bringing together political party representatives, NGO leaders, academics and others to find common ground on proposals to assure greater transparency in all aspects of Turkish society.
NGO Development
Aside from those organizations mentioned above, NDI has provided training and support for the efforts of three voluntary citizens groups in Turkey: Tumikom, the Ari Movement and KADER. Tumikom is a grassroots Parliamentary monitoring network with chapters throughout most of Turkey. The Ari Movement is a group of young Turkish professionals with an ambitious agenda for ethical reform. KADER with 15 chapters throughout Turkey is dedicated to greater representation and participation for women at all levels of politics and government in Turkey.
NDI's activities have been two-fold: to assist the groups in their efforts to promote greater accountability in government and increase their capacity to reach broad segments of Turkish society
Contact Information
For more information on NDI's programs in Turkey, contact:
Washington, DC
Laura Jewett, Regional Director Send Email
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