by Marcus Lens van Rijn, independent reporter
"Kenyan politics sounds like a love affair. I see a country of hope that has been betrayed over and over. But I remain hopeful that in the end we'll find the one".
Ernesto Aranibar, Coordinator of Agora Democrática, the joint NIMD-IDEA program in Ecuador, has written an article he would like to share. In the article, entitled 'The strengthening of political parties in Latin America within a countercyclical analytical framework', Ernesto suggests new possibilities for political party development in the region.
You can download a copy of our latest publication 'Writing Autobiographies of Nations: A Comparative Analysis of Constitutional Reform Processes"
NIMD's newest publication 'Writing Autobiographies of Nations: A Comparative Analysis of Constitutional Reform Processes' will be launched in Nairobi on June 11. Part handbook, part manifesto for participatory constitutional reform, 'Autobiographies' examines through case studies of Bolivia, Ecuador, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe how constitution-making can be an inclusive, democratic process - engaging both political parties and a widening spectrum of public opinion.
Malawi voted on May 19th to re-elect president Bingu wa Mutharika's Democratic Progressive party, returning Mutharika to office with two thirds of the vote. It was one of Africa's most peaceful and fairly organised elections.
To take account and share lessons from an exemplary election, the CMD in Malawi along with a host of other partners organised a 'Democracy in Progress: Election Evaluation Conference' in Lilongwe on 22 June.
Parties, churches, and councils across Malawi, as well as the international community have been working in all manner of ways to keep the peace and make sure this week's elections pass off freely and fairly.
On the 23rd and 24th of February NIMD together with Hivos, the humanist institute for development cooperation, and the University of Amsterdam, organized an expert meeting on the possibilities of democratization in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Based upon a desk study by Isam Al Khafaji Ph.D., a workshop with experts from different parts of the world was organized in The Hague. Divided over two days, the discussion touched upon several crucial issues for this exploratory phase on democratization possibilities in the region.
As Morgan Tsvangirai was finally sworn in as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe yesterday the mood of national joy was tempered by an awareness of the reality that the government faces huge challenges.
The January edition of the Journal of Democracy contains an insightful article by Thomas Carothers. It considers the the strategic differentiation between political and developmental approaches to democracy.
Observations is a blog highlighting news and offering commentary on democracy assistance, multiparty initiatives and the impact of our programmes and those of other organizations and projects connected to NIMD's mission.
Though authored by NIMD's staff, visitors are encouraged to add their voices through the comments section at the bottom of each entry or by suggesting a story.
