Strengthening of democratic practices and sustaining democratic values
Representation
Moreover it gives citizens a process to hold the government to account for its decisions, performance and behaviour.
Political institutions leadership and professional conduct can regulate and guide political representation, which is essential in creating systematic and sustainable standards for democratic representation and practices.
Political representation is therefore not only important to ensure that citizens priorities are reflected in the political direction of a given nation, but it is also a powerful accountability tool.
Our projects
Promoting Inclusive Electoral Reforms in Kenya (PIER-K)
Status
- Ongoing
Details
- The Oslo Center with funding from the European Union is implementing the PIER-K Program to promote multistakeholder dialogue on electoral reforms at county and national levels. The action will strengthen the capacity of political actors and promote active and meaningful participation of underrepresented and marginalized groups in the electoral process. This action seeks to consolidate democratic governance and space in Kenya further to address key issues yet to be implemented while deepening political participation and empowerment of interest and minority groups.
- The program is implemented in a consortium partnership of The Oslo Center, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), Election Observation Group (ELOG).
Objectives
- To promote electoral reforms and democratic governance through an inclusive and transparent multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Strengthening Inclusive and Democratic Political Actors in Kenya - SIDPAK
Status
- Ongoing
Details
- The Strengthening Inclusive and democratic political actors in Kenya (SIDPAK) program is a two-year program funded by the EU and implemented by a consortium partnership of Netherlands Institute of Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), The Oslo Center, Danish Institute for Political Dialogue (DIPD), Mzalendo Trust and Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya). The program works with political parties in Kenya, Parliament, the office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), Women, Youth, and PWD members of the National Assembly, and CSOs.
Objectives
- The program seeks to contribute to the Development of Inclusive and Participatory Political Parties in Kenya
Strengthening Political Institutions to Enhance Responsiveness, Accountability, and Transparency in The Electoral Cycle - Kenya.
Status
- Completed
Details
The program facilitated the institutionalization of political parties to be more responsive, accountable, and transparent as key pillars of democracy. The program focused on enhancing the alignment of political processes with legal frameworks, prioritizing the inclusion of women and youth, and enhancing internal party operations as well as strengthening the institutional capacity of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
Key achievements included the development of Citizen Policy Priority manifestos and increased civic awareness and responsibility among citizens in Kenya.
Objectives
- To mprove Kenyan political institutions’ responsiveness, accountability, and transparency
Strengthened Inclusive Multiparty System in Puntland State, Somalia (SIMS)
Status
- Completed
Details
Implemented in Puntland, Somalia to enhance political representation, the program’s goal was to offer technical support and build the institutional capacity of political associations and women involved in politics in preparation for the local government elections. It was anchored on exposure to new democratic ideas and approaches in Puntland, such as the inclusion of women in political processes to enhance multiparty democracy in the region. The program enhanced the structural and institutional capacity of political associations and women to effectively participate in the local elections with a unanimous consensus by the political associations to be more receptive to women and gender inclusion by reforming their institutional framework.
Objectives
- Strengthen the multiparty system by promoting inclusiveness and institutionalization of political parties, contributing to the democratization process in the Puntland Federal State in Somalia.
Political Parties
Political parties play a vital role in strengthening democracies and are regarded as the vehicles for political engagement and representation..
They offer an opportunity for citizens to participate in democratic processes and are essential for political representation, as they are the first line of engagement between the citizens and representative institutions.
The Oslo Center contributes to the strengthening of political parties, and in turn the strengthening of democracies on various levels. When working with both the ruling, as well as the oppositional parties, we assist with the enhancement of internal structures and processes to bring inclusivity, transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.
Legal Frameworks
Legal frameworks, including international treaties, constitutions, and domestic laws, define the backbone of sustainable democracy.
A well-developed legal framework strives to ensure equality, transparency, and accountability. These are all key components in the achievement of long-term peace and political stability.
The Oslo Center assists in the development and revision of constitutions and laws regulating political parties and money in politics. Additionally, we assist in the process of operationalizing legislation through documentation such as regulations, guides, and handbooks.
Political Parties
Political institutions provide avenues for the representation of citizens, development of legislation, and implementation of laws and policy.
They also conduct elections, contribute to the creation and protection of democratic spaces and providing room for citizen inclusion and engagement. In the case where political institutions are not fully functional, abuse of power, lack of representation, patronage and corruption are more likely to occur leading to bigger social and economic inequalities.
The Oslo Center supports political institutions to strengthen democratic practices and processes through the enhancement of professionalism and accountability.
Key areas of impact
Political parties reviewed and strengthened their party structures and procedures
Published Coalitions – a guide for political parties
Mechanisms and procedures for consultations between party officials, its members and the party elected representative identified and/or strengthened
Mechanisms and procedures for consultations between elected representatives and the citizens established and/or strengthened