Seminar Report The role of Political Parties in Democratic Transitions

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Myanmar’s transition process is still young and incomplete. Also, it will be a long and bumpy road and undoubtedly with meet many potholes, detours and setbacks on the way. However, the deliberations on the first day of the seminar have clearly confirmed that Myanmar has entered a new era, in which the need for dialogue, consensus building and national unity is strongly recognized and underlined. The discussions confirmed that all participants are all on the same road toward achieving this. As a wise saying goes: “Every 1000 miles journey starts with a first step”. Mrs Karijn de Jong noted that the discussions during the first day of the seminar also underlined that despite the many differences between countries and their unique local contexts and local cultures, there are at the same time also many similarities between the case studies presented. She highlighted a few that emerged from the presentations: The critical importance of building personal relationships and trust between political actors as a foundation for a durable political agreement. The recognition that no side gets everything that it wants: political dialogue and reform is all about compromise and accommodation to ensure a sustainable political settlement. The importance to ensure a democratic dividend for the population that translates the nice words on reform and change also into tangible results at local level. The critical importance to invest in multiparty dialogue process to get to know each other as political competitors and not enemies; to help build trust and confidence, promote reconciliation and work out differences in a peaceful, constructive manner in the interest of national unity and development. She used the words of the Secretary General of the ruling party in Ghana: “Multiparty dialogue is all about learning to disagree, without becoming disagreeable”. Mrs Karijn De Jong emphasized that DIPD and NIMD will carefully reflect on the input from the participants input during day 1 and day 2 - and will use the ideas and suggestions to further design the Myanmar Multiparty Programme that is focused on three key pillars, namely: Facilitating multiparty dialogue Party strengthening and training Building relations between political parties and civil society and the media To help further shape the joint programme, she encouraged the participants to liaise with the locally-based staff, particularly Ms Khin Thazin Myint, and also indicate the names of a contact person and an alternate in the respective parties to allow for information sharing on next steps and activities. 1.8. Informal Dinner Reception Seminar day 1 was concluded with an informal dinner reception, which was an opportunity for seminar participants and a few invited guests from civil society, international organisations and diplomatic missions to share their reflections. 10
Day 2: Wednesday 20 February 2013 2.1. Workshop 1: Strengthening Political Party Organisation: Challenges and ways forward in Myanmar By Mr Thomas Cormier and local co-facilitator Mr Aung Kyaw Phyo, Myanmar Institute for Democracy (MID) Functional and effective democracy depends upon accountable leaders who represent the interests of the electorate and articulate their needs and aspirations through policy and action. In this context, the workshop facilitated a dialogue on the key themes of organisational development, policy development, internal party democracy, and membership and local anchorage. It focused on the specific priorities and needs of political parties in Myanmar in relation to: What are the two things that make a political party successful anywhere in the world? What are the two biggest challenges to building a successful political party in Myanmar? What are two things political parties can do now they could not do three years ago? Where are two sources of ideas political parties use to inform solutions to problems facing Myanmar? The workshop began with a round of introductions in which participants interviewed each other on who they are, what party they represent and why politics is fun. The responses reflected that participants belong to different generations and different parts of the country. Some have been engaged in politics for a long time while others just recently became politically active. Their reasons for entering the political arena were rather similar and mainly related to a commitment towards promoting inclusion, development and securing a bright future for the country and their respective ethnic group. Discussion After this introductory round, each participant was tasked with reflecting on the four questions outlined below. The larger group was divided into four subgroups, which each had to prioritise the top five responses for the respective question; name three practical things that members of a political party can do to help the party gain support; and suggest ways in which the parties could communicate to its members. The following is a summary of the responses by subgroup: 1. What are the two things that make a political party successful anywhere in the world? Participants mentioned that transparency, strong and good policies and unity are important elements defining the success of a political party. Furthermore it is crucial that the party responds to the aspirations of the people and have the support of the people. In order to do so the party should nominate people of quality and broaden its member base. Finding sufficient funding and resources is also very important. The party can communicate to its members and others by having a party office, holding regular meetings, resolving issues and through exposure to the community. Mr Thomas Cormier added the suggestion that parties can communicate to its members by using mobile text messages to provide information (as an alternative to calling a meeting) and writing newsletters. A party member can attract support by getting involved in the community, get to know what is going on and bring this information back to the party. The party itself should disseminate information, write papers and distribute them. It is also good to use the media to communicate who is competing for which party and what the party stands for. 2. What are the two biggest challenges to building a successful political party in Myanmar? Participants mentioned that the lack of sufficient funds is a great challenge for almost all of the political parties in Myanmar. They also mentioned the importance of leadership. In addition, there is a lack of campaigning skills and political knowledge is limited. To overcome these challenges the parties need to raise funds, build capacity within their respective parties including the party leader, raise political awareness (voters education) and resolve issues amongst the various political parties. Political parties 11
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Seminar Report The role of Political Parties in Democratic Transitions

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