Harare, Zimbabwe—The joint International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) Zimbabwe International Election Observation Mission (ZIEOM) hosted a six-person post-election delegation to Harare on September 4-8, 2018. As part of its comprehensive effort to observe the July 30, 2018, harmonized elections, the ZIEOM’s post-election delegation was co-led by Ambassador Johnnie Carson and Constance Newman both former U.S. Assistant Secretaries of State for African Affairs.
Kosovo’s snap parliamentary elections on June 11, 2017, have offered the country an opportunity to move past recent political impasses and reorient political institutions to the pressing needs of its citizens. Continuing a pattern of extraordinary elections, these elections were precipitated by a long-running political crisis set off by the previous parliamentary election, in June 2014. A six-month deadlock over forming the new government led to opposition protests in parliament, some of which turned violent.
This guide aims to identify areas of disconnect between political parties and citizens, and highlights possible areas of party reform. The document includes: key recommendations for reform-minded parties; case studies and personal experiences from party practitioners; and worksheets and critical questions to help parties think through practical applications for the suggestions provided.
In recent decades, the world has witnessed a shift in political competition, with political attitudes increasingly leaning toward ideological extremes. Some scholars have labeled this development “pernicious polarization,”1 where political difference transforms into social difference and political discourse breaks down into an “us” vs.
When marginalized communities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) communities, women, persons with disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities and young people participate equally in politics, it results in tangible gains for democracy and political parties become more responsive to citizens. Political parties have a responsibility to provide safe spaces for LGBTQI+ people to meaningfully engage in politics but many have limited experience and knowledge on how to include and provide safe spaces for these persons.