From poverty to power - Oxfam-Québec

2 POWER AND POLITICS I VOTE, THEREFORE I AMand ability to perform a useful democratic function rise or fall withtime, as weak party systems grow stronger and strong ones crumble.Given their key role in democracy, strengthening political parties is animportant step in linking citizens and states. Crucial issues includeinternal party democracy, transparency (for example, in the use offunds and election of leaders), and party and campaign financing –issues that are at least as pressing in the North as in the South.No political system is fixed: state and party systems are constantlyevolving, some becoming stronger and more accountable, othersfalling under the sway of autocrats or the spell of riches. Strengtheningdemocracy by demanding progress in political systems (and preventingbacksliding) is an essential task in the effort to build effective states,both for national citizens, and for those outsiders seeking to promotedevelopment and justice.85