NDI and CALD to conduct Pre-Election Monitoring in Five Countries

(Washington D.C. USA; Manila Philippines/ January 12, 2004)  The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats will be sending pre-election assessment missions to Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.

This is part of NDI and CALD’s joint programs in continuing  their political party reform program in Asia, supporting parties’ efforts to strengthen internal democracy and accountability and address the challenges of financing politics, and including parties in anti-corruption dialogue and activities.

Across Asia, where the damaging effects of corruption have been strongly felt, there is heightened awareness of the linkages between corruption, stability, and political party practices.  In particular, where party and campaign financing lack accountability and transparency, money politics thrives and political elites can reap economic benefits at the expense of the majority.  Embedded patronage and collusive relationships in party and electoral politics have not only distorted economic practices but also diminished the value of elected representation and undermined the rule of law, eroding public confidence in the democratic process.

Electoral campaigns are an especially critical time in which money politics, patronage, and illegal transactions flourish.  During this period, parties and politicians consolidate their resources, select their candidates, fundraise, and employ diverse tactics to secure electoral support.  Aware of the potential problems posed during electoral campaigns, countries have devised numerous approaches to managing and monitoring the campaign and election periods.  These methods usually include the establishment of electoral administrative bodies, use of local and international observers, and implementation of voter education campaigns.  However, most observation efforts are carried out by non-political bodies, such as NGOs or bureaucratic institutions.  There have been few efforts to involve politicians and party representatives in the observation process.

The objectives of the program are:

1)                            To document progress made in implementing the internal reform recommendations pledged at the January 2002 and August 2003 Bangkok workshops through direct observation of party campaign practices;

2)                            To promote information-sharing and collaboration among Asian political party leaders and encourage party-to-party support for party and political finance reform; and

3)                            To develop the capacity of party leaders and reformers to conduct assessment missions, as well as advocate for and advise parties on reform initiatives.

The first mission will be in Taipei, Taiwan from March 9 to 13, 2004. Among the organizations to be visited in the first mission are: the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, the ruling Nationalist Party (KMT), the Central Elections Commission, Transparency International, American Institute, Taiwan Democracy Foundation and Academia Sinica.The members of this mission are Cambodian legislator Son Chhay, Former Thai MP Prakob Chirakiti of the Democrat Party and Former Congressman Chito Gascon of the Liberal Party of the Philippines. They will be accompanied by NDI’s Director of Asia Programs, Peter Manikas, NDI Senior Program Manager Laura Thornton and CALD Executive Director John Coronel.

In a related development, NDI Asia Director Peter Manikas visited the CALD Secretariat last February 1 to discuss with Mr. Coronel the details of the project. Mr. Coronel hosted a dinner for Mr. Manikas with FNF Manila Resident Representative Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Meinardus and Liberal Party officials Rep. Neric Acosta and Education Undersecretary and Mrs. Chito Gascon in attendance. Messrs. Acosta and Gascon attended the first and second NDI-CALD Workshops on Political Party Reform.

Categorised in: News Article

This post was written by CALD