Seminar Report The role of Political Parties in Democratic Transitions

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
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