Central to any democracy is the right of any group or individual to compete in the political process and the right of citizens to freely associate and express their ideas.  Strong political parties serve to protect and advance these two core democratic principles.  Building strong parties with issue-based agendas presents voters with a choice at the ballot box, ensuring that citizens have a say in determining their own destinies. 

To support the critical role parties play in the political process, IRI offers trainings designed to help parties strengthen their organizations at the grassroots level; develop and communicate clear, coherent and responsive policy platforms; demonstrate effective governance through issue-based coalitions and loyal opposition; enhance participation of women, youth and ethnic minorities in the political process; and maintain a sustainable campaign capacity.

Forming Democratic Coalitions in Belarus

In Belarus, IRI assisted democrats in forming the Unified Democratic Forces of Belarus (UDF) coalition to provide a unified voice for pro-democratic activists struggling against the oppressive policies of President Aleksandr Lukashenko.  The coalition, created in 2004, has grown steadily in the past five years and currently consists of 10 political parties and more than 200 nongovernmental organizations that are joined together by an over-arching goal of “creating a democratic, prosperous, European Belarus.”  IRI provides the UDF with training on the fundamentals of political strategy, party organization, outreach and communications.  

Since the creation of the UDF, the coalition has participated in all major elections.  In 2005, the UDF implemented a process to select a single candidate to represent all pro-democratic forces in the 2006 presidential election.  In 2008, IRI worked with the UDF and its leadership as it developed a strategy to run one UDF candidate in each of the 110 electoral districts in Belarus and to develop a platform for the 2008 parliamentary elections that all UDF candidates would support.  Currently, the UDF is reaching out to the regions of Belarus by running issue-based campaigns as they prepare for the upcoming presidential election expected in 2010. 

Strengthening Party Outreach in Indonesia

In Indonesia, in advance of the April 2009 parliamentary elections, IRI worked with political parties to help them develop and identify issues for political campaigns, utilizing public opinion research.  IRI provided training on transparent candidate selection, accountable party finance and effective communication with constituents.  Post-election, IRI conducted political party analysis trainings to aid parties in assessing their electoral performance and formulate their post-election strategies. 

Currently, IRI works with Indonesian political parties in core political party building areas such as message development, constituent relations, media outreach and internal party organization.  By working to enhance these organizational structures the parties are able to operate in a more transparent and representative manner that allows them to increase their base of support.

Developing Issue-Based Agendas in Serbia

In Serbia, a profound disconnect exists between the democratic political parties and the Serbian people.  Democratic parties have been unable or unwilling to develop clear identities based on sound policies and without a wider democratic political spectrum from which to choose, voter dissatisfaction with the pro-reform parties has enhanced the appeal of anti-reformist forces and perpetuates political instability in Serbia.

Through trainings and consultations, IRI helps pro-reform political parties in Serbia develop, coordinate and design messages around issue-based policies that differentiate the parties based on how they address key concerns of citizens.  IRI also supports the role of think tanks, interest groups and coalitions in advancing specific policy proposals that can be incorporated into parties’ platforms. 

IRI’s public opinion research program, including national polls and focus groups, helps parties understand the issues that are important to citizens and on what policies to focus.