06b. Annual Evaluation of 2011-12 Business Plan_master

7/30/2019 06b. Annual Evaluation of 2011-12 Business Plan_master

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WFD

2011-2012

Business Plan Evaluation


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Introduction

In March 2011, WFDs Board of Governors approved a new, four year strategic direction for theorganisation, which set out three new strategic objectives from 2011-15.

1. Contribute to democracy, stability and good governance in post-conflict countries andfragile states

2. Improve engagement in political processes in weak, emerging or developingdemocracies

3. Be a results and learning orientated organisation delivering programmes of the highestquality

This evaluation considers how the organisations projects and programmes have contributed to thesestrategic objectives and the key milestones (see tables on pages 4 to 6) set out in the 2011-12 BusinessPlan.

The Business Plan 2011-12 was developed by WFD staff and the political officers of the Westminsterparties around our core business of political party development and parliamentary strengthening inEurope, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

This evaluation highlights key achievements, rather than providing a robust measure of progress underoutcomes and objectives. It seeks to avoid repetition with the already published Annual Review for 2011and WFDs Annual Reports and Accounts, laid before Parliament in July 2012, although some cross-overis inevitable.

Approach to evaluating the 2011-12 Business Plan

In a break with previous evaluations, WFD has this year decided to pull out some specific examples ofhow our work has contributed to the milestones set out in the Business Plan 2011-12, show how they

contribute to our corporate plan and then table the remaining outcomes, in an attempt tocommunicate progress in a more reader-friendly format.

Extra-budgetary funded programmes

During 2011-12, in addition to the FCOs grant-in-aid, WFD also received funding from other donorsand remained committed to expanding extra-budgetary funded programmes in line with its CorporatePlan.

At the end of the financial year 2011-12 WFD had 12 extra-budgetary programmes totalling 2.3 million.These included the five-year, 5 million parliamentary strengthening programme delivered by TheWestminster Consortium1 (TWC), which WFD leads and is funded by DFIDs Global TransparencyFund; a programme in Bangladesh funded by DFID in-country (implementation was deferred pending

completion of an in-country assessment of programme priorities by donors and parliament); aprogramme in Lebanon funded by the EU (completed June 2012); programmes in Albania (completedMay 2012); on-going parliamentary strengthening programmes in Macedonia, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia andMontenegro jointly funded by grant-in-aid and Embassy funds (due for completion 2013); new

1 TWC: a Consortium managed by WFD which also includes the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UKBranch, House of Commons Overseas Office, International Bar Associations Human Rights Institute, NationalAudit Office, Thomson Reuters Foundation and the Institute for Democracy and Conflict Resolution, EssexUniversity. TWC is currently delivering a 5-year programme across six countries (2009-14).


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programmes in Tunisia and Egypt funded by the Arab Partnership Fund; a programme in Pakistan, inpartnership with the British Council, funded by the EU; and a programme in Sierra Leone funded by theBritish Council.

Whilst these extra-budgetary programmes have enabled WFD to successfully extend its work in anumber of countries and regions, its ability to manage and run additional programmes was constrained

by staffing and resource levels and core programme commitments. The challenge remains to ensure thatWFDs investment delivers the biggest impact in a constantly changing political environment.

Key organisational development 2011-12

Although this is an evaluation of the 2011-12 Financial Year, bearing in mind that this report was notsubmitted until September 2012, it seems appropriate to include an update on progress under StrategicObjective 3 considering the new initiatives now underway.

An internal Change Agenda was developed during the year to assist WFD in developing a morerigorous approach to strategic planning, deepen its technical expertise and professionalism, and reformits structure and governance arrangements.

Key changes implemented to date include:

Strengthening strategic planning through the introduction of an annual strategic planning cycleincluding an annual review of all regional strategies to inform programme choices, looking atpolitical developments and potential new opportunities for democracy assistance; retention ofan annual business plan and annual evaluation reports; improved programme design (newprogramme templates, more detailed budgets, log frames and clearer outcomes).

The role and work of the Board of Governors and its various sub-committees have beenreviewed and changes made. The Board and the Projects and Programmes Committee arefocusing on more strategic issues. A decision on the size of the Board is subject to furtherdiscussion with Ministers in 2012. The political parties staffing needs and office costs were

reviewed and strengthened. A review of WFD staffing requirements (programme teams inLondon and overseas, and corporate staff) is being undertaken in 2012 to ensure that WFD hasthe flexibility to scale up in response to new opportunities (e.g. post Arab Spring) and the in-house technical capacity (e.g. M&E) to deliver its portfolio of programmes.

Rationalising future programming looking to the futureWFDs programme teams completed their last year of smaller one-off projects work and looked aheadto more consolidated programming. The organisation spent time rationalising its longer-term work tofocus on where it could achieve greatest impact, based on its 20 years experience in the field andbuilding on the network of relationships and programmes delivered in recent years.


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Strategic Objective One (purple denotes which programmes are highlighted in this evaluation; red denotes approval after the Business Plan was

developed):

Expected Outcomes by the end of the four yearperiod (2014 2015)

Key Milestones 2011 2012 Projects/programmes that contributed to thisObjective 2011-12

1. Contributed to the stability of parliament in 5 post-conflict / fragile states

Risk of current programme countries slidinginto conflict decreased

DRC (GIA) Kenya (GIA & DfID) Sierra Leone (British Council) Pakistan (GIA)

2. Supported pluralistic and participatory policy-makingprocesses that contribute to moving away frommonopolies of power

Mechanisms in place in 2 programmeparliaments to foster better politicaldialogue

Kenya (GIA & DfID) Iraq (GIA) think-tank Lebanon EU funded programme2 MENA-wide Regional Initiatives on Conflict

Resolution (GIA)

Pakistan (GIA & FCO)3. Smooth democratic transitions of power in relevantprogramme countries

WFD has supported Sierra Leone throughpeaceful elections in 2012

Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) MENA (post assessment visits)

4. Womens experience in political participation andreconciliation is inspiring current and future womenleaders

Women focused programmes run in 3countries

Nigeria (GIA) Iraq (GIA) MENA-wide Regional Initiatives (GIA) Iraq-Kurdistan (GIA & KRP) Jordan (GIA)

5. Strengthened organisation and capacity of politicalparties in post-conflict, weak and fragile states

Increased awareness of modern techniquesin party organisation (by party)

Conservative Party Africa Programme Labour Party Africa Programme Labour Party MENA Programme Liberal Democrats Africa Programme Liberal Democrats Europe Programme Smaller Parties Africa Programme

6. Elected representatives strengthened in theirrepresentative role through better engagement withtheir constituencies and wider civil society in post-conflict, weak and fragile states

Improved skills of elected representatives inpost-conflict, weak and fragile states (bycountry)

Sierra Leone (GIA) Bangladesh (DfID) delay in programming due to

objectives being realigned did not get underway

Macedonia (GIA & FCO) Albania (FCO


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Strategic Objective Two (purple denotes which programmes are highlighted in this evaluation; red denotes approval after the Business Plan was

developed):

Expected Outcomes by the end of thefour year period (2014 2015)

Milestones 2011 2012 Projects/programmes that contributed to this Objective2011-12

1. Strengthened capacity of parliament toreview and scrutinise the Executive and topromote and protect the rights of theircitizens in 10 countries

3 programme parliamentsstrengthened in their legislative,oversight and representative roles

EALA (GIA) Ghana (GIA) Albania (FCO) Macedonia (GIA & FCO) Montenegro (GIA & FCO) Serbia (GIA & FCO)

Moldova (GIA) Iraq-Kurdistan (GIA & KRP) Jordan (GIA) Bangladesh (DfID) Tunisia (APF) Egypt (APF)

2. Created a network of local organisationsable to deliver innovative and valued trainingprogrammes to parliaments in 7 countries

Network of local organisationscreated in 2 countries

TWC3 programme - (parliamentary study centres launched inLebanon; Mozambique (Uganda to follow 2012).

3. Strengthened political dialogue, includingwith civil society and the media, by ensuringproper mechanisms are in place in 5programme country parliaments

Political tensions dealt with inParliament rules and procedures inplace for Speaker to follow in 2programme parliaments

Sierra Leone (BritishCouncil)

EALA (GIA) Sierra Leone(GIA) Macedonia (GIA & FCO)

Montenegro (GIA& FCO)

Iraq-Kurdistan(GIA & KRP)

Bangladesh (DfID)

Kyrgyzstan (FCO)

4. Strengthened policy development ofpolitical parties in weak, emerging ordeveloping democracies, providing theelectorate with real choice

Increased awareness of theimportance of ideology and policy(by party)

Conservative Party Africa, Europe & RoW Programmes Labour Party Africa, Europe, MENA & RoW Programmes Smaller Parties Europe Programme Jordan (GIA) Tunisia (APF)

5. Strengthened media and communicationskills, strategy and techniques of politicalparties in weak, emerging or developingdemocracies

Increased awareness of theimportance of media andcommunication skills (by party)

Conservative Party Africa, Europe & RoW Programmes Labour Party Africa, Europe, MENA & RoW Programmes

6. Increased regional cooperation betweenpolitical parties from the same political familyin weak, emerging or developing democracies

Number of regional workshops andstudy visits (by party)

Conservative Party Africa, Europe and RoW Programmes Labour Party Africa & RoW Programmes Liberal Democrats MENA Programme

3 TWC assists parliaments to create their own sustainable centres of learning for staff and members. The Consortium is delivering programmes over five years,from 2008-13, to strengthen parliaments in Georgia and Ukraine, Mozambique and Uganda and Lebanon. This year it added Morocco as a sixth programmecountry.


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Strategic Objective 3

Expected Outcomes by the end ofthe four year period (2014 2015)

Milestones 2011 2012

Progress 2011-12

1. Created a training model that achievesbehavioural as well as institutional change in parliaments, parties and c ivilsociety

Political incentives tooltaken forward in 3programme counties (1in each region)

Work continued on this under The Westminster Consortium programmewhich is developing A Guide to Best-Practice in establishing ParliamentaryTraining Centres, due to be published in 2012-13.

A political analysis tool was developed by WFD and Global Partners, anddisseminated in all WFD country programme offices for use by programmemanagers as a tool to collect and consolidate results of stakeholder mapping.

A Value for Money model was piloted in parliamentary strengtheningprogrammes in Georgia, Lebanon and Tunisia.

A Guide to Legislative Analysis was developed for the Lebanese Parliamentand 23 MPs trained in its use (see page 7 for more information).

2. Appropriate M&E tools andbenchmarks in place that measure theimpact made across the full range ofprojects and programmes

Tools developed Work on developing appropriate M&E tools and benchmarks to measure impact madeacross projects and programmes was postponed until 2012 pending decisions on thefuture funding and the appointment of a specialist M&E advisor. In the meantime,WFD maintained its internal M&E processes including monthly/quarterly monitoring ofall major programmes and continued internal and external programme evaluations.

3. Known for innovative, responsivecross-party programmes and has a strongreputation as the UK leader in thedemocracy assistance field

3 case studies fromcross-party work (1from each region)

Cross-party4 programmes were delivered in several countries including Ghana, Egypt,Lebanon, Morocco, Kenya, Iraq-Kurdistan, Tunisia and Turks and Caicos.

4. Developed a wider funding base tosupport democracy overseas (significantlyfrom FCO, DFID and EU)

Strategy to deliver this inplace

Achieved New funding from DFID secured 2012-15 and continuation of three yearfunding from FCO.

5. Developed strong partnerships withother UK and international organisationsensuring it has the capacity and skills todeliver programmes of the highest quality

Led and successfullyimplemented theWestminsterConsortium programme

Achieved. This work continued, building on TWCs previous three years ofpartnerships and programming.New partnerships were developed for other WFD programmes with UK,international and local partners.

6. Chaired a number of cross-organisational democracy assistancemeetings, leading to better qualityprogrammes

WFD AnnualConference organisedand successful indeveloping newpartnerships

Greater participation by WFD staff in international fora to share and learn from bestpractice;Key conference held in partnership with the British Council on the Arab Spring in July2011.

4Cross-party defined as programmes involving two or more of the UK parties working with multiple local political parties.


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KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS 2011-12

LEBANON

Corporate Plan Key Milestone 2011-12 Programmes/projects and country

SO 1 (outcome 2): Supported

pluralistic and participatorypolicy-making processes thatcontribute to moving away frommonopolies of power

Mechanisms in place in 2

programme parliaments tofoster better political dialogue

Lebanon5: Parliamentary

strengthening EU funded

WFD implemented a 21-month, EU funded programme in Lebanon from January 2011to June 2012,which enabled it to take forward an Advisory Unit, established in its previous programme, to providetechnical and professional expertise to the Lebanese Parliament. Support was also given to the work oftwo key committees Administration and Justice, and Finance and Budget. Two quotes below illustratehow the programme has fostered improved political dialogue in the parliament.

The Administration and Justice Committee is the kitchen of the parliament as we say in Lebanon. Every

proposed bill takes a lot of time, and we issue many new laws each year, and receive hundreds of bills andpropositions. There has been an urgent need to have experts who sole purpose is to help this committee, to

prepare proposals and projects in a professional and legal way, away from politics. We are saving time and

working in a more professional and expert way following the establishment of the Advisory Unit.Nawar al SahiliMP, Administration and Justice Committee Rapporteur

A focus for the programme was to improve the quality of legislative analysis in the parliament. Followinga working group session in Lebanon by local and international experts, a formal framework for analysis theGuide to Legislative Analysis was developed and 23 MPs trained in its use. It is now in wide use bythe parliament. A similar guide is being produced for Tunisia (September 2012) and there is potential forit to be tailored for other parliaments in the region.

Commenting on the guide, Dr Wassim Mansouri, from the Lebanese University, a key partner of WFDsprogramme in Lebanon said, Democracy requires efficient, popular participation through its representatives inthe Parliament and its role is crucial in the legislative process. The Guide is uniting technical discussions in

parliamentary committees on a bill or proposal as they are becoming faster, simpler and more accurate. It also

helps to maintain a continued legislative procedure in Lebanon which helps us to achieve a tradition in legislative

analysis with time, and when new representatives arrive they find some tools they can rely on.

Another example of the programmes contribution to improved political dialogue followed a visit by themembers of Lebanons Budget and Finance Committee, including the Chair and staff from the LebaneseCourt of Audit (CoA), to the UK in January 2012. They met with staff from the National Audit Office toconsider the importance of collaboration between the Lebanese CoA, as the countrys supreme auditinstitution, its role in post-expenditure scrutiny, and its relationship with the Budget and Finance

Committee. A result of the visit was that a MP in the delegation presented a complaint to the CoA andthe Lebanese Ministry of Public Works asking contractors and companies to account for a project toextend waterways under the roads in his constituency, which had caused damage to cars and harm tothe citizens passing on the roads.

5Although Lebanon is considered as an emerging democracy moving away from conflict, there are ongoing

challenges to the countrys political stability that would justify Lebanon sitting within Strategic Objective 1.
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=guide%20to%20legislative%20analysis%20lebanon&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCgQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidelliott.ca%2Fpapers%2FA%2520Guide%2520for%2520Legislative%2520Anyalsis.docx&ei=YHmGUM78MKSf0QWy2oHgBA&usg=AFQjCNHhttp://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=guide%20to%20legislative%20analysis%20lebanon&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCgQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidelliott.ca%2Fpapers%2FA%2520Guide%2520for%2520Legislative%2520Anyalsis.docx&ei=YHmGUM78MKSf0QWy2oHgBA&usg=AFQjCNHhttp://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=guide%20to%20legislative%20analysis%20lebanon&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCgQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidelliott.ca%2Fpapers%2FA%2520Guide%2520for%2520Legislative%2520Anyalsis.docx&ei=YHmGUM78MKSf0QWy2oHgBA&usg=AFQjCNHhttp://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=guide%20to%20legislative%20analysis%20lebanon&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCgQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidelliott.ca%2Fpapers%2FA%2520Guide%2520for%2520Legislative%2520Anyalsis.docx&ei=YHmGUM78MKSf0QWy2oHgBA&usg=AFQjCNH


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Mr Jaber, the Speakers appointed representative for WFDs programme, has since confirmed that theBudget and Finance Committee has adopted the UK system of accountability, whereby the NAOreceives a request to investigate the use of public money in projects, post-expenditure. There has alsobeen acknowledgment of the importance of building relations with the Lebanese CoA similar to the tightrelations between the NAO and the Public Accounts Committee.

As of September 2012, WFD is continuing to support the Advisory Unit for a further six months, untilMarch 2013. One example of the work being undertaking is follow-up on guidance that sets out theprinciples of operations and the Rules of Procedure between the Lebanese Court of Audit and theBudget and Finance Committee to strengthen their working relationship. This should also contribute tofurther improving political dialogue.

WFD has been operating6 in Lebanon since 2006. Its contribution from its previous programme is stillbeing felt in 2012 with the ongoing development of a Pensions Bill. Back in 2008 WFD contributed to akey technical output on the draft bill, highlighting shortcomings of the initial draft regulation, whichlacked consistency. A framework was then established to help improve the drafting and key decision-making process developed. WFD attended all meetings of a Special Parliamentarian Committeeestablished, and advised on the bills future drafting. A working group was also established, and attended

by WFD, to issue a final paper on the Bill. A committee has since been working on a revised and finaldraft regulation based on sound technical thinking that takes into consideration the economic and socialinterests of Lebanon.

6WFD also has an on-going programme in Lebanon under the TWC programme until 2014. Its remit is to assist

the Lebanese Parliament to establish a regional training centre aimed at building the capacities of parliamentarystaff in the Arab world.


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Sierra Leone

Corporate Plan Key Milestone

2011-12

Programmes/projects and

country

SO 1:(Outcome 1). Contributed to the stability ofparliament in 5 post-conflict / fragile states

Risk of currentprogramme

countries slidinginto conflictdecreased

Sierra Leone (2 programmes):

1. Parliamentarystrengtheningprogramme (BritishCouncil)

2. Strengthening MPsEngagement with theirCitizens (parliamentarystrengthening; civilsociety)

SO 1: (Outcome 6).Elected representativesstrengthened in their representative role through betterengagement with their constituencies and wider civilsociety in post-conflict, weak and fragile states

Improved skills ofelectedrepresentatives inpost-conflict, weakand fragile states(by country)

SO 2:(Outcome 3). Strengthened political dialogue,including with civil society and the media, by ensuringproper mechanisms are in place in 5 programmecountry parliaments

Political tensionsdealt with inParliament rulesand procedures in

place for Speakerto follow in 2programmeparliaments

WFD implemented two programmes in Sierra Leone in 2011. The first was a programme to assistparliament in turning policies into technically correct bills. This was seen as vital to support thedevelopment of a justice system which addresses impunity and poverty, which have contributed to civilwar in this West African state.

Through WFDs 20-month programme, funded by the British Council, to strengthen the parliament, thecountry witnessed post-legislative scrutiny in 2011 for the first time ever through a newly establishedParliamentary Service Commission (PSC). Staff are now better equipped to support MPs in committeeenquiries, and their much improved technical ability has made a significant difference to MPs ability to dotheir jobs.

One of the programmes challenges was a delay in establishing the service, which made it difficult forparliament to develop a well defined staffing structure. WFD organised a trip to Uganda to show theparliamentary leadership the functions and benefits of an established independent service. This proved tobe an effective way for the leadership to take ownership of advancing the PSC.

Activities have contributed to the development of a critical mass of well-trained staff, MPs and a Parliamentaryleadership that is capable of steering the establishment of the Parliamentary Services Commission. WFD

identified parliamentary strengthening as an important peace-building and democratisation requirement for post-war Sierra Leone, and addressed it with credibility and expertise from Westminster and other sub-regional

parliaments. The linkages between the Sierra Leone and UK parliaments, as well as with the sub-regional

parliaments of Ghana and Uganda, have been greatly enhanced. A report on the programme, published inSeptember 2011

During 2011-12 WFD also implemented a 12-month pilot project to increase communication betweencommunities and their MPs. It helped MPs understand their role and responsibilities so they couldbetter address local issues and concerns, and also helped constituents learn more about the roles ofMPs. The Strengthening MPs Engagement with their Citizensproject saw 47 constituency offices opened


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across the country where people could express their concerns, issues and ideas to their MPs. Aconstituency caretaker was employed to manage each office, and to give people the chance to havetheir say by recording their views and issues in a written ledger or through a suggestion box, whichwere then passed on to the MP at regular intervals for action and feedback. One community now haspipe born water as a direct result of concerns raised through its constituency office, and another sawmosquito nets distributed to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children.

The nature of interaction between me and the constituents was not cordial before the opening of the

constituency office. The problem was that there was no centralised forum to channel concerns, problems,

complaints, and a condition that slowed down immediate responses from me. Now I am happy that I can serve

my people without fear of being swamped by individual demands. Honorable Dr Bernadette Lahai ofConstituency 13, Kenema District

The Honourable Veronica Sesay MP, commented that through the project, and understanding betterhow local district plan developments relate to her constituency, she had been able to mobiliseresources to complete infrastructure projects including rehabilitating bridges and completing a road linking

agricultural villages to the town.

Kenya:

Corporate Plan Key Milestone 2011-12 Programmes/projects and

country

SO 1 (Outcome 1): Contributed to thestability of parliament in 5 post-conflict /fragile states.

Mechanisms in place in 2programme parliaments tofoster better political dialogue

Kenya: Parliamentarystrengthening programme

SO 1 (Outcome 2):Supported pluralistic and participatorypolicy-making processes that contributeto moving away from monopolies ofpower

Risk of current programmecountries sliding into conflictdecreased

In Kenya, the focus in 2011-127 was to develop the curriculum for 16 training modules to support theinstitutional development of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST).8More than 60parliamentary staff were trained using the curriculum during 2011-12. It resulted in staff and MPs havingaccess to quality, cost-effective and accessible training, which is not only preparing them for theimplications of the countrys new constitution (enacted in 2010) but leading to greater engagement andparticipation in decision-making, and improved political dialogue. An international peer review of themodules was due to be undertaken in Kenya in 2012.

We are now at the threshold of full operation of the parliamentary centre with well structured and implemented

training curricula expected soon and training programmes being mounted. It is our belief that the centre will be a

resource centre for all parliamentary capacity building needs for Kenya, the region and the rest of the world,

Clerk of the Kenya National Assembly Patrick Gichohi speaking on the importance of the CPST.

7 WFD began collaborating with the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) in 2009 to support the developmentof a parliamentary curriculum.8The CPSTs role is to enhance the capacity of honourable members, staff of parliaments and others, by offering learning andtraining opportunities/courses through suitable modules. It was created in 2008 by Kenyas Parliamentary ServicesCommission.


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East Africa Legislative Assembly


country

SO 2 (Outcome 1). Strengthenedcapacity of parliament to review and

scrutinise the Executive and to promoteand protect the rights of their citizens in10 countries.

3 programme parliamentsstrengthened in their legislative,

oversight and representativeroles.

EALA parliamentarystrengthening/regional integration

SO 2 (Outcome 3).Strengthened political dialogue, includingwith civil society and the media, byensuring proper mechanisms are inplace in 5 programme countryparliaments.

Political tensions dealt with inParliament rules andprocedures in place for Speakerto follow in 2 programmeparliaments.

WFD in partnership with the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative and the East AfricanLegislative Assembly (EALA) launched a new Handbook on Human Rights and Parliaments inArusha, Tanzania. The Handbook was developed through The Westminster Consortium

programme. The launch was attended by the EALA Committee on Legal Affairs, representativesfrom East African Community (EAC) institutions, civil society organisations from the five EACpartner states, and Trademark East Africa. The event strengthened EALAs focus as aninstitution well placed to support human rights in the region and provided an opportunity forcivil society organisations to share methods of defending human rights in their countries.

The Westminster Consortiums staff in Uganda participated in the subsequent one-dayroundtable to disseminate the Handbook within EALA and the wider EAC. This platform gaveparticipants the opportunity to discuss EALAs role in promoting and protecting human rights inthe region, explore opportunities that could strengthen the functional relationship betweenEALA and national parliaments in the implementation of human rights standards, and to betterunderstand the role of civil society in the legislative process both at the regional and national

level. The participants agreed on several recommendations on how to enhance human rightsobligations in the region, which will now be taken forward as part of the continuing programme.


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Iraq


country

SO 1 (Outcome 2). 2. Supportedpluralistic and participatory policy-

making processes that contribute tomoving away from monopolies ofpower.

Mechanisms in place in 2programme parliaments to foster

better political dialogue.

Iraq - Parliamentary strengthening.

SO 1 (Outcome 4). Womensexperience in political participation andreconciliation is inspiring current andfuture women leaders.

Women focused programmes runin 3 countries.

In Iraq, WFDs programme contributed to establishing a parliamentary think-tank in May 2011 withlocal and regional partners to provide specialist advice in parliamentary affairs and public policies to IraqiMPs. Called the Iraqi House of Expertise, this unit has been providing technical advice to the Council ofRepresentatives and has published policy recommendations on health, education, transparency and

womens rights.

Also this year, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2011 with theKurdistan Regional Parliament, a programme was launched to develop its skills and expertise, with theoverall aim to build democracy in the Kurdish Region of Iraq. WFD organised five workshops in Erbilwith participation from UK MPs from all political parties to foster better political dialogue. Topicsincluded; supporting parliamentarians in holding the executive to account; the role of MPs in enhancingtransparency and accountability including a code-of-conduct for parliamentarians; the role ofgovernment and opposition; financial accountability and the roles that audit bodies can play.

Also during the year, WFD supported a programme to bring together women leaders from 10 MENAcountries and representatives from Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Kenya and Rwanda in Iraq to discuss

and share experiences on the role of women in peace-building and reconciliation. This was seen as amilestone in empowering women regionally and helping them develop their own action plans for change,and directly contributed to Outcome 4 of SO 1.

WFD also facilitated a workshop to enable UK MPs to share their experiences with womencounterparts in the Kurdistan Parliament. In the spotlight was building relationships with constituentsand civil society organisations to consult and communicate better on issues, and working collectively inparliament to promote issues of concern to women. An outcome was to consider setting up awomens lobby group of all women in parliament to achieve greater influence. The parliament has acommittee on womens rights but they are not organised into a formal caucus. The formation of awomens lobby group would have the benefit of bringing women together to fight for issues of concernto them, and also create a supportive network so they are better able to have their voices heard.

Overall, strengthening womens political rights and increasing their participation in political life was acore focus for WFDs regional work in the Middle East in 2011-12, which falls under WFDs StrategicObjectives 1 and 2. For example, WFD and its local partners provided a Training of Trainers workshopfor experienced former women parliamentarians from the MENA region, delivered by Thomson ReutersFoundation. The project aimed to create a bridge between generations and enable women leaders of thefuture to benefit from the knowledge and know-how of experienced women politicians.


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The Balkans and Kyrgyzstan


country

SO 2:(Outcome 1).Strengthened capacity of

parliament to review andscrutinise the Executive and topromote and protect the rightsof their citizens in 10 countries;

3 programme parliamentsstrengthened in their legislative,

oversight and representative roles

Parliamentary strengthening in:

Montenegro Macedonia Albania Serbia

Working with civil society in

Kyrgysztan* Ukraine

SO 2:(Outcome 3).Strengthened political dialogue,including with civil society andthe media, by ensuring propermechanisms are in place in 5programme country parliaments

Political tensions dealt with inParliament rules and procedures inplace for Speaker to follow in 2programme parliaments

WFDs parliamentary strengthening programmes in Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbiawere complemented by work with civil society organisations (CSOs) in Albania, and Kyrgysztan9 andUkraine aimed at increasing CSOs impact in the policy-making process, particularly around EUintegration.

WFDs work in Macedonia and Montenegro during 2011-12 continued to build on the strongpartnerships it has established with both parliaments. WFD worked closely with MPs and seniorparliamentary officials to improve their effectiveness in parliament, and continued to provide expertiseto help build the capacity of their respective parliamentary services to better support MPs in theiroversight and legislative roles. Both Parliaments made changes to their rules of procedures to shift MPswork from plenary to committees, enabling greater parliamentary oversight in the future. MPs have also

noted improvements in parliamentary support, remarking that innovations such as a briefing note systemhelped them better prepare for committee meetings. In Montenegro this involved the UK NationalAudit Office and House of Commons experts helping the Committee on Economy, Finance and Budgetto design a briefing note on the budget. This has been embedded into parliamentary budget practice andis now produced on a regular basis for MPs.

An evaluation of WFDsparliamentary strengthening programme in Montenegro found that, There wasclear political will for reforms in the Parliament from all key stakeholders: the President of the Parliament, the

Secretary-General and MPs. They recognised the need to increase capacity amongst staff to support the functionsof Parliament to meet the challenges of the future.

The programme also provided training to increase the ability of staff to support MPs, which resulted in

more effective scrutiny of the budget passed in parliament at the end of 2011.

Kyrgyzstan

WFD opened an office in Kyrgyzstan in 2011 with two staff members to run a one year programme oncivil society involvement in parliamentary policy-making. The 12-month programme laid the ground

9Kyrgyzstan was not mentioned in the 2011-12 Business Plan as it was an extra-budgetary programme approved

during the year.


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work for improving access and methods of consultation between parliament and civil society. Thisfollowed a new regulation added to the parliaments Rules and Procedures - which gives CSOs anofficial mandate to engage with parliament.

Work during the year focused on:

A workshop for 16 civil society organisations in November 2011 to develop effective policybriefs for parliamentarians. A three day training-of-trainers workshop was also held oncampaigning, lobbying and advocacy for potential future CSO leaders.

A workshop for MPs was held in December 2011which focused on building relationshipsbetween parliamentary officials and CSOs in policy-making and policy implementation. It alsoconsidered effective methods of interaction between MPs and CSOs and international best-practice.

WFD has developed a more strategic and region-wide approach to working in the Western Balkansfrom 2012-15.This approach, building on WFDs country programmes in Albania, Macedonia, Moldovo,Montenegro and Serbia, will look to further strengthen the role of parliaments in South East Europe and

promote regional co-operation in human rights and the rule of law or investment and transparency, withcurrent programmes in Macedonia and Montenegro aligned into this. New country programmes inUkraine and Kyrgyzstan will be developed over three years from 2012-15 with a focus on strengtheningcitizens engagement in democratic processes.


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Tunisia and Egypt


country

SO 2:(Outcome 1).

Strengthened capacity of

parliament to review andscrutinise the Executive and to

promote and protect the rights of

their citizens in 10 countries

3 programme parliaments

strengthened in their legislative,

oversight and representative roles

Tunisia and Egypt -

Parliamentary strengthening (APF

funded)

SO2: (Outcome 4):Strengthened policy developmentof political parties in weak,emerging or developingdemocracies, providing theelectorate with real choice.

Increased awareness of the

importance of ideology and policy

(by party)

Tunisia

Following the Arab Spring, a new programme in Tunisia started this year, which also contributed toOutcome 1 and 4 under SO 2. It delivered several successful activities with the National ConstituentAssembly and the Tunisian political parties. Its work with the Constituent Assembly focused onparliamentary organisation and procedures; on the mechanisms of parliamentary oversight andaccountability; and on legislative and constitutional drafting drawing from the UK's model and fromother Constituent Assemblies and Parliaments in the region (Lebanon and Morocco) and elsewhere(South Africa and Macedonia). It also focused on issues of interest to the Tunisian political parties,especially on their youth and women wings. These activities looked at party structures and theimportance of youth wings and the role of women, how they participate in strengthening the parties andtheir capacity to communicate and campaign better. The APF has since committed to a further threeyear WFD programme in Tunisia from 2012-15 that will continue to work with the TunisianConstituent Assembly and parties to strengthen the countrys democratic institutions. WFD will work

with Tunisian parties on a multi-party and party-to-party basis to develop their skills in working inParliament, in building coalitions and in engaging women and youth. WFD will encourage partnershipsbetween British parliamentarians and political parties and their counterparts in Tunisia. WFD willsupport newly elected parliamentarians and encourage the development and adoption of a parliamentarycode-of-conduct.

WFDs new programme this year in Egypt, where it first began working in 2008, has focused on supportto the new Parliament. As elections were twice postponed, much of the scheduled programme wasdeferred to 2012. A key priority was induction training for MPs, which was planned to take place fromMay until the end of July 2012. Since more than 80% of the 508 MPs are serving for the first time, thiswas to be a significant piece of work which was hoped would feed into a longer term programme ofparliamentary support. WFD developed a core curriculum for training new MPs, which was delivered in

the first few months of the 2012-13 financial year.

Regional projects on enhancing public policyin the region also got underway in 2011-12, contributingto Strategic Objective 2 (Outcome 1). The National School of Government and Issam Fares Instituteare establishing a benchmark for policy development. Researchers, activists and experts from Tunisiaand Egyptare being trained to write policy analysis and policy recommendations to develop a pool ofexpertise to work across both countries.

Also during the year, WFD and its local partner, the Arab Region Parliamentarians against


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Corruption, launched an Arabic version of ahandbook on parliamentary ethics.The handbook,developed by WFD and the Global Task Force on Parliamentary Ethics and Conduct, provides ahow to guide for parliamentarians on developing their own codes-of-conduct, aimed atstrengthening parliamentary transparency and promoting best practice in this area. This contributed toStrategic Objective 2, Outcome 1.

There remains significant demand for assistance in building strong democratic institutions in MENA andWFD has developed new strategic programmes in the region from 2012-15 in countries that are wellplaced to receive help in their transitions. These include programmes in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon,Morocco and Tunisia as well as two regional programmes - womens leadership and better policymaking. An ongoing challenge is to ensure that our investment delivers real support where it is needed,in what is still an evolving political environment.


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The Westminster Consortium Programme

Corporate Plan Key Milestone

2011-12

Programmes/projects and

country

SO 2:(Outcome 2). Created a network of local

organisations able to deliver innovative and valuedtraining programmes to parliaments in 7 countries.

Network of local

organisationscreated in 2countries

The Westminster Consortium

(TWC) programme led by WFDwas established 2009 with a 5million grant from DFIDsGovernance and TransparencyFund (GTF).

During 2011-12, TWC continued its mandate to help parliaments create their own sustainable centresof learning for staff and members. The Consortium is delivering programmes over five years, from 2008-13, to strengthen parliaments in Georgia and Ukraine, Mozambique and Uganda and Lebanon. This yearit added Morocco as a sixth programme country.

During the year, the TWC programme underwent a mid-term review10. It received specific praise for:

Managing a complex programme involving seven international partners and 22 local partners;

Sharing with parliaments international knowledge and ways of working from the UK; Delivering training courses with good technical materials; Preparing quality parliamentary handbooks on financial oversight, human rights and the rule law

and access to information;

Providing focused, practical, job-related follow-up support to training participants which isbeginning to demonstrate results.

Some highlights of the TWC programme, that contributed towards its key milestone in 2011-12 were:

A training programme with MPs from the Ugandan Parliament on Legislative Oversight of theExtractive Industries in Uganda. This was in advance of developing draft legislation on managing the

countrys fledging oil and gas industry. A workshop on strategic planning with the Georgian Parliament, as it planned the parliaments

relocation to Kutaisi. Commenting on the workshop, Micheil Machavariani, First DeputyChairman of Parliament of Georgia said, This is the first time the Parliament has had suchopendiscussions and put ideas on paper on the issues relating to the relocation of theParliament.

The establishment of Parliamentary Study Centres in Mozambique and Lebanon,with supportfrom the broader donor community. A further parliamentary study centre in Uganda will belaunched shortly.

The further development of the Lebanese Institute for Legislative Studies and ParliamentaryTraining. The Institute, launched in July 2011 and based in the parliament, is providing expertise,guidance and encouraging communication and debate between MPs and parliamentary officials.TWC has been supporting its early work through its staff based in the Lebanese Parliament. In

time the Institute aspires to improve the transparency and effectiveness of 22 Arab parliamentsand help in developing democracy and fighting poverty in more than 20 Arab states.

Holding a Financial Oversight workshop in Lebanon bring together MPs, Supreme AuditInstitutions, staff and Ministries of Finance to develop strategies to improve financial oversight inTWC countries.

Developed the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) to produce evidence-based10 (Source: Delta Partnership. 2011. Strengthening Human Resource Development in Southern Parliaments - Mid-TermReview(31 March 2011 - TWC / DFID).


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research to influence policy making in Ukraine. For example, the programme assisted theHuman Rights Committee draft a new law on combating human trafficking. A new law waspassed in parliament in September 2011 that set out how victims of human trafficking wouldnow be entitled to receive support from one of 22 centres to be created in every region ofUkraine. The centres would make the re-integration process easier and help educate society.In January 2012, in accordance with the new law, the Ministry of Social Policy was appointed the

national coordinator for anti-trafficking, responsible for developing national policies andcoordinating activities about the issue. CSOs have also developed a set of standards for victimassistance to be considered by the government. However, although the legislation is in place, thegovernment failed to allocate sufficient funds in the 2012 budget, due to country widelimitations. The parliamentary strengthening programme sought help from CSOs, who willcontinue to work with the parliament to support and monitor the developments in the newlegislation.


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Party development work 2011-12

SO 1Corporate Plan SO 1 Key Milestones 2011-12 Programmes/projects and country

5. Strengthenedorganisation and capacity of

political parties in post-conflict, weak and fragilestates

Increased awareness ofmodern techniques in party

organisation (by party)

Conservative Party Africa Programme Labour Party Africa Programme Liberal Democrats Africa Programme Smaller Parties Africa Programme

SO 2Corporate Plan SO 2 Key Milestones 2011-12 Programmes/projects and country

3. WFD has assisted 5countries to developprogrammes that contributetowards reducing povertyand towards achieving theMDGs

2 cross-party programmesfocusing on MDGs designed/ being delivered

Conservative Party Africa, Europe & RoWProgrammes

Labour Party Africa, Europe, MENA & RoWProgramme.

Smaller Parties Europe Programme4. Strengthened policydevelopment of politicalparties

Increased awareness of theimportance of ideology andpolicy (by party)

Conservative Party(Africa Programme)

Labour Party(Africa Programme)

Labour Party(MENA Programme)

Liberal Democrats(Africa Programme)

Liberal Democrats(Europe Programme)

Smaller Parties(Africa Programme)

5. Strengthened media &

communication skills,strategy & techniques ofpolitical parties.

Increased awareness of

importance of media/communication skills (byparty)

Conservative Party Africa, Europe & RoWProgrammes

Labour Party Africa, Europe, MENA & RoWProgrammes

6. Increased regionalcooperation betweenpolitical parties from thesame political family in weak,emerging or developingdemocracies

Number of regionalworkshops and study visits(by party)

Conservative Party Africa, Europe and RoWProgrammes

Labour Party Africa & RoW Programmes Liberal Democrats MENA Programme

The UK political parties programmes in 2011-12

Political parties are pivotal to a healthy functioning democracy. Without well-functioning parties,governments and legislatures have little chance of representing wider society in a meaningful way.Through the work of the UK political parties, WFD helped support emerging democracies to make thetransition between personality-led parties and winner takes all elections to genuine multi-partydemocracies.


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Strong multi-party democracies which deliver good governance and development outcomes for theircitizens require effective political parties which articulate collective interests into policy platforms, andprovide channels for opposing opinions to be debated peacefully.

During 2011-12, the political parties delivered projects across five key themes, as well as contributing tothe specific outcomes developed in 2011-12 plan. The five key themes were:

Political party building and organisation development Development of party campaigning and communications Message and policy development Regional co-operation Development of nationally and locally elected representatives

The political party programmes during 2011-12 continued to be implemented on a peer-to-peer basis,which helped to promote trust and openness. These programmes were successful in providing choiceto the electorate, strengthening political dialogue and supporting peaceful elections.

The Conservative Party

The Conservative International Office continued its work during 2011-12 with members of theDemocrat Union of Africa (DUA), including in Ghana, Uganda, Liberia and the Ivory Coast. It supportedDUA member parties to work on a bilateral basis with one another, for example to share expertisethrough party leaders, campaign managers, women and youth, and utilised the skills of DUA trainers inConservative Party WFD work not just in Africa but across the world. This contributed to SO 2,Outcome 6. A winter youth school in November 2011 provided a platform to discuss centre-rightprinciples and policy discussion for young leaders from centre-right parties from across Africa,contributing to Strategic Objective 2, Outcome 5.

Projects were also undertaken in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and South Asia which covered partybuilding, strengthening campaign and communications, policy and programme development, andconsolidation of political and party identities (SO 2, Outcomes 5, 6). A central element of theConservative Partys work was building regional networks of centre-right parties to increase inter-partyco-operation and support (SO 2, Outcome 6).

A key event which contributed to Outcome 2 under SO2 was an economic round table - involvingparticipants from political parties in Bosnia, and across the Balkans region. In Bosnia, and the Balkansmore generally, economic thinking is still largely dominated by ideas of the big state. Political partiesseek to take control of the state and then use it as a mechanism of patronage to reward theirsupporters. With these structures and this way of thinking dictating political actions there is littleincentive for politicians to think about new forms of economic activity involving control of statespending and the free-market. This seminar sought to introduce some new thinking on economicissues into the debate on the economy within Bosnia and the Balkans region. Feedback shows thatparticipants felt this was a useful way of exchanging information about potential responses to economicchallenges. There was interest in discussing practical steps which could be used to successfully attractforeign investment.

Another key event was the Balkans and Eastern Europe Regional Youth Conference held in London.This reflected on the Conservative Partys experience in its 2011 campaign and looked to the challengesof implementing the new governments programme of legislation and reform. Themes discussed included


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campaigning methods and techniques, developing policy messages, public speaking and communication,

and the use of new media in politics, policy development and implementation.

The conference ended with a discussion of how parties across Europe could seek to regain theconfidence and trust of voters, and increase the level of public engagement in political life. Theconference brought together young political representatives from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia,

Moldova, Montenegro and Serbia. Feedback from participants included I found the media in politicalcampaigning very useful and found the press conference simulation an excellent experience andOrganization

was perfect! Very interactive and we learned lots of useful things! It was an interesting chance to meet eachother.

In Georgia, a project to assist a relatively new political party, helped with party organisation and internalmanagement. It also assisted with improving internal communications and the partys internal structureswith a focus on how women and youth could increase their participation and have their voices heard.

A project to develop understanding amongst young activists from sister-parties in Serbia and theMontenegro assisted with knowledge on the mechanisms used to develop policies; how these policiescan be used to appeal to young voters; and how these policies can be communicated to the electorate.

Also during the year the team implemented a cross-party project with the Labour Party in Egypt thatinvolved training up to 70 women candidates in key election campaign skills to mobilise women voters.

The Labour Party

The Labour Party worked with sister-parties in Africa, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe andthe Middle East, to help build their capacity. This work included looking at the effective organisation ofparties, campaigning, communications, developing policy platforms and, crucially, regional co-operation,contributing to all Outcomes under SO 1 and 2.

This work has been complemented by several regional projects, including workshops, which have

proven an effective tool for maximising capacity building support. Not only have they reached a wideraudience but they have also promoted regional dialogue - essential in post-conflict environments,contributing to SO 1 and 2.

In particular, the Labour Party hosted a study programme in the UK for representatives from its sisterparties in the Western Balkans. This took place in the run up to the UK local elections in May 2011.Itwas an excellent opportunity to expose sister parties to the final stages of the Labour Party's campaign(Outcome 6). Over three days, the participants observed different aspects of the Labour Partycampaign, met with key strategists involved in the campaign's delivery and learnt about theimplementation of the first national referendum in more than 30 years. Most importantly, the visitprovided a forum for the participants to learn from each other and share their own campaignexperience.

Projects during the year in Serbia improved the skills of campaign organisers in using the internet as aneffective campaign tool, to increase awareness of social democratic values and principles. The LabourParty also supported a project which trained 750 candidates for the 2012 elections in the effective useof online media as a communications and campaigning tool. A further project helped to improve thecampaign organisation skills of up to120 students in Albania and enhanced awareness of social democratprinciples amongst the group. All this work contributed towards SO 2, Outcome 5.


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In the Ukraine the Labour Party held workshops during the year to train women activists to develop aneffective campaign to promote inclusion of gender policies in political party programmes. The mosteffective outcome was increased commitment from the represented organisations to improvingwomens representation, which instigated a campaign in Parliament and interested the media.

The Labour party also supported a regional workshop in Turkey for women activists from Egypt,

Morocco and Tunisia to exchange experiences with representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina,Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey. It aimed to assist women to ensure their voices are heard in thedemocratic renewal of their societies. The project ended in a commitment to create an Arab Networkfor women, based on the principles of the CEE Network for Gender Issues which has done much workto empower women in Central and Eastern Europe.

Regional projects completed in Africa in 2011-12 resulted in a number of recommendations for furtherregional cooperation, particularly the development of a regional womens academy. In Eastern Europe, asimilar approach to regional support has introduced a new audience of young activists to the history andideology of social democracy, contributing to SO 2, Outcome 6.

The Liberal Democrats

In Africa, the Liberal Democrats long term support work for the Africa Liberal Network (ALN)contributed particularly to SO 2, Outcomes 5 and 6 and also to building regional cooperation (SO 2,Outcome 6). It did this by continuing to support building the capacity of the ALN and to promote thesharing of information, experiences, skills, and ideas across its 27 parties from 21 countries. Thenetwork also held an Executive Committee meeting in Johannesburg in May 2011 during which it agreedon a new strategy for 2011-13. The strategy document includes steps to consolidate the network, whichhas doubled its membership in the past two years. It also made recommendations to improvecommunications among the liberal parties, all contributing to SO 2, Outcomes 5 and 6.

In October 2011 the ALN General Assembly took place in DRC. The network decided its strategy for2011-13 including relocation of the Secretariat to Africa in 2012. The network welcomed new parties

from Botswana, South Sudan, Congo and a Pan-African Organisation for African Liberal Youth, bringingthe membership to 30 parties and organisations. Training was also delivered for 30 parliamentarycandidates from its three sister parties in Congo, which was held in the margins of the ALN GeneralAssembly. The trainers helped participants to identify their ambitions and targets for the following fiveyears, as well as issues of importance to the electorate and which could be built into a solid grassrootscampaigns. The participants also focused on developing messages based on the issues identified, andtying this in with existing manifesto material and liberal principles (SO 2, Outcome 5).

In August, a workshop for the youth wing of a sister party in Moldova equipped participants with theskills to be effective trainers within their party. The trainers also worked closely with the participants todevelop their ideas for training modules that they went on to deliver within their youth wing (SO 2,Outcome 4). A Gender Workshop for the Liberal Democrats sister-party in Bosnia was also held for

female candidates who will be standing for the local elections in 2012. The training focused onpresentation and leadership skills and was delivered by two experienced trainers.

The Liberal Democrats held workshops in Egypt in July 2011 for members of their sister-party with afocus on reaching out to women and youth groups to increase their effectiveness in parliamentaryelections (SO 2, Outcome 5). An assessment visit to Tunisia during the year was also undertaken toidentify potential partner parties with seats in the new Constituent Assembly, which share LiberalDemocrat values.


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The Smaller Parties

During the year the Smaller Parties11 provided support to a number of sister-parties including inMoldova, Montenegro, Namibia, Uganda and Zambia. This was in line with last years recommendationsthat the programme focus on fewer priorities in the coming years to yield stronger results, and toconsider allocating greater resources to those countries where the chances of producing greater impact

were highest, while ensuring that each of Westminsters Smaller Parties are able to maintain their ownWFD programme.

The Smaller Parties projects in Africa in 2011-12 focused on giving electorates a genuine choice, andworked to increase the capacity of parties particularly in Zambia and Uganda to become moreeffective and policy orientated, campaigning organisations (SO 2, Outcome 5 and 6).

The Scottish National Party (SNP) undertook further work with a sister-party in Zambia, which hadelections in autumn 2011 to provide support for candidate training which benefited 124 candidates andfurnished the party with 34 candidate trainers. Work included building support and capacity of womencandidates and assistance for the party to effectively communicate their messages to the electorate,building of work in 2010-11 to develop an on-line presence, with work to improve the partys

communication capacity, as well as facilitation of strategy design and messaging support. The centrepieceof this project was the launch of the partys first website, which is an important element of the partyscommunications and campaigns work for the forthcoming elections (SO 2, Outcome 6), and which isnow being taking forward independently. Support was also provided following the election to evaluatethe partys performance and identify weaknesses, which are being addressed in the new strategicprogramme (2012-14).

The Social Democratic and Labour Party worked in Uganda following the elections in March 2011.Following the brutal conflict in northern Uganda at the hands of the LRA, it is important in this region,now stability is returning, and the introduction of a multi-party political system in 2005, to facilitateincreased political dialogue as well as to embed strong political parties to foster positive change in theregion.

The Democratic Unionist Party provided support for its Namibian sister-party in strategic planning andbranding. This included the development of a new mission statement and rebranding of the partys logoand image (SO 2, Outcome 5). This work will be furthered in the new strategic programme (2012-15).

No activities were undertaken with the African Christian Democratic Party around the elections,however a team visited the party and agreed to undertake work subsequently (note: this is nowunderway, first activity in July 2012). Having looked into potential work for the Green Party, the teamopted for another option as the cost was too high for the Greens allocation; SNP are still keen toundertake work in Malawi, but has not been possible due to other commitments and financialconstraints. With the change of the presidency and an opening party system in Malawi, it is now an idealtime to undertake an assessment and programming.

11 The Westminster Smaller Parties include: SNP; DUP; SDLP; Cymru Plaid; The Greens.


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Lessons from WFDs work in 2011

Lessons learnt from programmes over the last year include:

The realisation that political reforms do not always lead to democratic consolidation, especiallywithout grass-roots engagement of citizens, civil society organisations, and greater mediascrutiny.

The importance of ensuring that parliaments which have ruling parties with strong parliamentarymajorities respect, encourage and protect the role of the opposition within the parliamentaryprocess. Georgia, Uganda and Mozambique are all countries that have a strong ruling partymajority within their parliaments.

Parliamentary strengthening programmes should include channels for civil society input into theprocess, particularly in committee hearings; training for journalists to cover parliamentary affairsmore effectively; and opportunities for MPs and the parliamentary service to practise new skillsgained in real life situations.

The key risks in programming remain and continue to be, paradoxically, the biggest reason forWFD engagement. In many countries, continued ethnic tensions combined with poverty, in awinner takes all context, especially when the states resources are increasing, threaten politicalinstability. Engaging with political parties and parliaments to strengthen their effectiveness withina multi-party democratic system is key to reducing risks in the medium- to long-term.

There remain risks to parties objecting to foreign assistance to other parties, leading toaccusations of interference.

There is often a blur between the government and the ruling party, with state resourcesfrequently being used to campaign.

Regional and national challenges can seriously hinder the reform process and affect politicaldevelopment initiatives, such as corruption, strong executives dominating the legislative branch,violations of fundamental human rights, a weak civil society and restrictive legislation on politicalparties.

Parties need internal democratic procedures and clear and developed policy platforms. Youngand female politicians need to receive support from their parties.

Civil society needs to understand better the roles and responsibilities of political parties. The possible deterioration of security in many of the countries in which we work continued to

be a risk throughout 2011-12, and did lead to suspensions of political institutions (e.g. thesuspension of the lower house of the Egyptian Parliament).

Engagement with civil society to widen and raise awareness on policy issues amongst the publicis a growing area of focus.


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WFDs budget for in 2010-11 was 4.89 million. The graphs illustrate the sources of WFDs income,and the regions where it was spent during the year.

FIGURE 1:WFDS TOTAL INCOME FOR 2011

FIGURE 2:PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES

WFD financial overview 2011

Documents

06b. Annual Evaluation of 2011-12 Business Plan_master