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In late January 2011 Egypt was rocked by an unprecedented popular uprising. Initially driven by low living standards and unemployment, the demonstrations unleashed pent up frustrations from decades of authoritarian rule. The resulting resignation of President Hosni Mubarak has given rise to a period of temporary military rule by Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. As Egypt heads toward parliamentary and presidential elections slated for late 2011, the nation’s political actors and institutions find themselves contending with an accelerated timetable – attempting to mobilize for what could be the first free elections in Egypt’s recent history.
IRI had already been experiencing dramatic growth in demand for training and technical assistance from political parties and civil society organizations since initiating programming in Egypt in 2005. However, in the immediate aftermath of what many are calling the January 25 Revolution, IRI received unparalleled requests for assistance. IRI has respond quickly to these needs, establishing a robust in-country training program as early as February of this year.
IRI has conducted off-shore training programs for Egyptians since 2007 , and also supported exchange visits for Egyptian activists to see firsthand working models of political participation and the role of civil society in elections. In 2010, IRI launched the Online University, a website that makes training materials and other information available to a wide audience within the Egyptian activist community.
Political Party and Candidate Strengthening
In anticipation of parliamentary and presidential elections, IRI’s strategy concentrates on developing the health and strength of new and existing political parties in Egypt through a program of party development and organizational skills training targeted at leading activists and party members. Campaign management and poll watcher training are offered to prepare parties for effective participation in upcoming electoral events.
IRI conducts training on the elements of campaigning, including designing and implementing effective communications strategies, utilizing new media and public opinion research and training women candidates. IRI also trains political party representatives on ways to improve party structure with a focus on platform development, effective grassroots strategies, coalition-building, strategic planning, budgeting and fundraising.
Recognizing the significant role played by the traditionally marginalized youth sector in the 2011 revolutions, IRI trains young political activists and party members in leadership development, campaign strategy and management, coalition-building, communication and public speaking. While the trainings are geared to develop youth as political leaders, participants are also encouraged to take leadership in their local communities and as such, the curriculum includes sessions on strategies and tactics for effective involvement in local communities.
Civil Society Strengthening
Applying experience and knowledge gained from civil society programs in other transition and post-conflict countries, IRI conducts advocacy trainings to develop the long-term capacity of Egyptian civil society organizations. IRI’s training include issue identification, campaign management, coalition building and the role of civil society as government watchdogs and citizen advocates. In the near-term, IRI is empowering civic groups to advocate for specific issues with political organizations that will be competing for seats in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
