GSDRC newsfeed on Political systems

Making Electoral Assistance Effective

Fabio Bargiacchi et al — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How can development agencies' commitment to move from event-driven to process- and demand-driven electoral assistance be more fully implemented? This report assesses how electoral assistance is delivered on the ground, and examines how the conceptual shift towards process is shaping agencies' priorities. While the importance of long-term institutional strengthening for effective electoral assistance is now widely recognised, greater emphasis on capacity development is needed, both at the development agency and partner country level.

The Democracy Advantage: How Democracies Promote Prosperity and Peace

Morton Halperin, Joseph Siegle, Michael Weinstein — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Should international actors support the emergence of democracy? This book provides an empirically-grounded analysis of the development track record of poor countries with both democratic and oppressive political systems. It argues that democracy supports development and reduces the likelihood of violent conflict, recommending that democracy be made central to international engagement with the developing world.

Introduction: Negotiating Empowerment

Andrea Cornwall and Jenny Edwards — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Why are conventional interventions that seek to promote women�s empowerment insufficient? This article highlights the choices, negotiations, narratives, and context of women�s lived experience. It finds that empowerment is a complex process of negotiation rather than a linear sequence of inputs and outcomes. Governments and development agencies need to give more consideration to the structures perpetuating gender inequality. They should invest in creating an enabling environment for women�s empowerment, and should support those who are tackling deeply rooted issues of power impeding transformative change.

New Media and Democracy in Africa - A Critical Interjection

Fackson Banda, Okoth Fred Mudhai, Wisdom J. Tettey — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Has the use of new media improved African political structures, systems and processes? This book chapter introduces studies examining the impact of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the societies and politics of African countries. It argues that, a decade after the introduction of ICTs, questions about access, inequality, power and the quality of available information are still valid. The value of new media lies in the extent to which they mesh with old media to provide multimedia platforms that allow for greater democratic participation, inclusion and expression.

Political Economy Reforms: Learning from the Delhi Water Experience

Avjeet Singh — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How do you introduce and sustain change in a society, like India, where there is a strong indigenous tradition and deep-rooted corruption? This research from the World Bank looks at efforts to reform the water sector in Delhi. It suggests that moving from policy rhetoric to its acceptance is always difficult. But instead of simply blaming the system for problems of implementation, it is important to analyse and work with the underlying reality.

Can Informed Public Deliberation Overcome Clientelism?

Leonard Wantchekon — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How can new democracies restrain electoral clientelism? This study from New York University draws on evidence from the 2006 presidential elections in Benin. It shows that if a campaign strategy is based on town hall meetings and policy proposals informed by empirical research, the electorate feels they have greater understanding of policies and candidates. It also suggests that this approach could have positive effects on turnout and electoral support for the candidates involved.

Assessing the Extent to Which the News Media Act as Watchdogs, Agenda Setters and Gatekeepers

Sina Odugbemi and Pippa Norris — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This review from the World Bank's Communication for Governance and Accountability Program finds that news media are important in furthering democratic governance, provided they are set up in a way that allows them to act as effective watchdogs, agenda setters and gatekeepers. Barriers to the fulfilment of these roles include restrictions on press freedom, market failures, lack of professional standards, weak civil society, and limitations in media literacy and public access to the media. Further research is required to fully determine the relationship between a free media and democratic governance.

ICTs for Democracy: Information and Communication Technologies for the Enhancement of Democracy � with a Focus on Empowerment

Association for Progressive Communications — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What is the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support processes of democratisation and empowerment in developing countries? This report, prepared for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, outlines the theoretical background to discussions on ICTs and democracy, and presents case studies from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. It argues for raising awareness and understanding of ICTs, and for making ICTs central to development cooperation and support for democratisation in the case study countries.

Election Campaigns, Partisan Balance, and the News Media

Holli Semetko — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

What is the impact of partisan balance in the news media during elections in democracies and societies in transition? This book chapter from the World Bank examines the impact of balance and bias in the news media on public opinions, political behaviour and, ultimately, on election outcomes. Drawing on case studies of recent elections in Kenya, Russia, Mexico and Turkey, it argues that the media, particularly television, plays a key role in influencing election processes.

Public Opinion, the Public Sphere, and Quality of Governance: An Exploration

Sina Odugbemi — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What is the best framework for achieving capable, responsive and accountable government in developing countries? How can political communities be changed to ensure that public resources go toward securing the general welfare? This study from the World Bank argues that the power of public opinion is a critical factor. Further, a democratic public sphere provides a vital structure through which good governance may be secured.

The Kenyan 2007 Elections and their Aftermath: The Role of Media and Communication

Jamal Abdi Ismail and James Deane — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What role have the media played in Kenyan democracy? To what extent are they responsible for inflaming the post-election violence of 2008? This briefing from the BBC World Service Trust draws on semi-structured interviews and a review of research and monitoring material. It finds that the media have both undermined and invigorated democracy; an understanding of democracy in Kenya � and elsewhere � requires a strong understanding of the media�s central role in shaping it. Development actors need to provide demand-led, coherent support for public interest media.

Empowering Independent Media: U.S. Efforts to Foster Free and Independent News Around the World

Center for International Media Assistance — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What can be learned from US media assistance? This report from the Center for International Media Assistance examines eight key areas: funding, professional development, higher education, the legal environment, sustainability, media literacy, new media, and monitoring and evaluation. The report asserts that a free media can impact critical areas in society - including education, government accountability, health, and the empowerment of women and minorities. However, it is important to address obstacles such as insufficient funding, unstable legal environments, lack of donor coordination, and problems in sustainability and evaluation.

The Role of the Free Press in Promoting Democratization, Good Governance and Human Development

Pippa Norris — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

To what extent does free and independent media contribute to good governance and what are the consequences for human development? This book chapter published by Internews Europe examines the results of a large-N cross-sectional comparison analysing the impact of press freedom on multiple indicators of democracy and good governance. The study seeks to test the hypothesis that where the media functions effectively as a watch-dog, a civic forum and an agenda-setter it helps to promote democracy, good governance and thus human development. Findings support claims that the free press is important, both intrinsically and instrumentally, as a major component of democracy and good governance.

Media Literacy: Understanding the News

Susan D. Moeller — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What is the relevance of media literacy for the development sector? This study from the Center for International Media Assistance examines efforts to promote understanding of media�s role in a democracy and to equip citizens to analyse and participate in the news process. Without independent media, citizens lack accurate information and so are less able to foster democracy and hold duty-bearers accountable. Media literacy training creates demand for accurate and fair news on both traditional and digital media platforms. This encourages checks and balances and democratic debate.

Can Information Campaigns Overcome Political Obstacles to Serving the Poor?

Stuti Khemani — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

What type of information campaigns can change political incentives to serve the poor? This book chapter from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs reviews the literature on information campaigns and the role of mass media in influencing public policy. There is a role for information campaigns to shift political platforms away from inefficiently targeted programmes towards broader public policies that promote development.

The Political Economy of Government Responsiveness: Theory and Evidence from India

Timothy Besley and Robin Burgess — Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

What makes government responsive to citizens� needs? This paper from the London School of Economics and Political Science highlights the importance of information flows about policy actions. Having an informed and politically active electorate strengthens incentives for government responsiveness. Evidence from India shows that state governments are more responsive where newspaper circulation is higher and electoral accountability greater; there is a role for both democratic institutions and mass media in ensuring that citizens� preferences are reflected in policy.

Options for Transitional Justice in Kenya: Autonomy and the Challenge of External Prescriptions

Godfrey M. Musila — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What are the options and challenges for transitional justice in Kenya? This article from the International Journal of Transitional Justice argues that despite a general consensus on the need to implement transitional justice measures to address past injustices and to further reconciliation in Kenya, there is little agreement on the form these measures should take. A coherent transitional justice policy is needed in Kenya. This should take account of both political and structural violence, and tackle key issues relating to the impact of international mechanisms and norms on local options and the kind of justice mechanisms to be deployed.

Afghanistan's Parliament in the Making: Gendered Understandings and Practices of Politics in a Transitional Country

Andrea Fleschenberg — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How can a viable Afghan parliament be developed that will serve citizens� interests and promote peace and reconstruction? What are possible entry points for parliamentary institution-building, particularly regarding female parliamentarians (MPs)? This report from Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and UNIFEM is based on extensive interviews with Afghan parliamentarians during 2007-2008. Women�s parliamentary participation is of the utmost importance, but is largely dependent on the overall gendered political and security context as well as the progress of and challenges to state- and institution-building. Nevertheless, female MPs� political effectiveness could be increased through mutual cooperation and networking.

Society in State-building: Lessons in Improving Democratic Governance - Synthesis Report

Edward Bell — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What is the best way to promote democratic governance in fragile and conflict-affected countries? By directing attention to interactions between state and society, this Initiative for Peacebuilding report aims to help external agencies and conflict-affected societies generate a culture of democratic politics. Drawing on analyses of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia and Pakistan, the paper recommends using the potential that is inherent in all development assistance to improve governance. This includes using the processes for defining development strategies to widen and deepen ownership by society as a whole.

Democratic Dialogue: A Handbook for Practitioners

Bettye Pruitt, Philip Thomas — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

What is dialogue and how can it respond to the need for wider participation in the public sphere? The first section of this handbook from CIDA, International IDEA, OAS and the UNDP outlines the need for dialogue and how it can make a difference in pursuit of peace, development and democratic governance. The number of dialogue processes taking place around the world has increased, as has the need for a greater understanding of effective dialogue.