Friday, March 14, 2008

improving political party policy in the philippines

Political party policy resolutions intended to be included in platforms that influence law or decisions in government, call for specific actions by other parties and by the government. This includes the date and any named sponsors that are publicly associated with the resolution. The resolution need not have been passed although if any information is available then include it - especially if the resolution was passed in an amended form. Includes resolutions based on campaigns, petitions and treaty which may be adopted by many parties simultaneously.

In a democracy, political parties are permanent organizations, which contest elections to occupy the decisive positions of authority within the state and as such substantially remain integral to politics in a number of ways. A party must also seek to bring its message to the widest possible audience, to do so; it involves opening its doors to other interest groups and bringing in new members who will be prepared not only to buy into its philosophy but also to espouse it in a proactive way. A party that exhibits a high level of internal organization and efficiency will also find it easier to convince the electorate of its potential to govern effectively.

In order for political parties to be effective in their interaction with their constituents and each other, they must first identify their own strengths and deficiencies. For many parties, especially those in transitional democracies, participation in the election process may bring with it as many challenges as it does opportunities. Even parties with highly developed internal structures may have to recognize that the climate in which they operate has changed dramatically, for instance, they may find themselves in opposition after years of unchallenged government and have to operate in a new political environment where the party history is in itself a liability Such a change in the status quo throws up new challenges for all parties involved. The core elements of political party development are applicable to all parties in all situations. How these elements are adopted varies and in order for a party to be successful in achieving its objectives, it needs to address such issues as internal democracy and party structures, candidate identification and recruitment, message development and communication.

For example, parties may have loosely defined core principles that distinguish them from their competitors but in order to be successful they must be able to translate these principles into concrete policies which will appeal to the electorate. The ability to put across its message in a way that is meaningful and to have that very message articulated by candidates who will be perceived as being credible and as having the ability to bring the party’s policies to fruition is of vital importance in the development of a positive party image.

Based on the expressed needs of the political parties, the stage of political transition and cultural conditions in a particular country, democratic political activists are provided with the skills they require to establish representative, accountable, transparent and effective political parties. Political party development activities can be pursued in conjunction with other civil society, governance and election-related activities. Ultimately, the goal of all efforts is to support the development of effective institutions and processes that contribute to a healthy and strong democracy.

Over many years, a range of techniques has been developed to engage political parties in development programs. Working primarily on the premise that situations are different from country to country and that political development and the democratization process in general will be influenced by cultural considerations and historical events, a common model should not be offered. Drawing on a large pool of international practitioners, party leaders, organizers and decision-makers can be exposed to a series of comparative examples from different democracies around the world. In the early years this involved organizing a series of workshops or seminars where experienced political practitioners would share their experiences and advise on their perspectives of the best practices to achieve the desired results.

A party must also seek to bring its message to the widest possible audience, to do so, it involves opening its doors to other interest groups and bringing in new members who will be prepared not only to buy into its philosophy but also to espouse it in a proactive way. A party that exhibits a high level of internal organization and efficiency will also find it easier to convince the electorate of its potential to govern effectively.

Broadly speaking, there are three main spheres of political party development in which technical advice and assistance is offered. It is the operational and structural development, election campaign techniques and political parties in parliament. These activities contribute to the effectiveness of a political party and are complementary of each other. Very often parties require assistance under all of these headings. Depending on the situation, proximity of an election or a change in political environment allowing more freedom for political parties to operate and an appropriate program should be tailored, in consultation with party leaders.

While a properly structured and effectively organized political party will make a much better impact in an election campaign and achieve greater success, it has often proved difficult to have parties pay much attention to organizational development when there is an election on the horizon.

But here in the Philippines we usually tend to vote to people who are famous rather people who belong to a prominent political party. Also political parties here in our country choose people who are famous to run and has the sure shot of winning the election for their own interest. Even if that politician is capable of leading or not.

Most Filipinos especially those who have less knowledge over politics and the political system in our country doesn't even know any political parties. All they know is the people who they will vote for in the election. Political Parties must reach out to people so that the people will know the interest of the party and the interest of their candidate. People are fooled just for this personalities. This is also why people doesn't know their candidate very well.. If the people will know their party, the people would have the chance to know their chosen candidate. So in the coming election we must know the party our candidate belong to so that we will know the interest of our candidate.