Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Proposals on public financing of political parties agreed upon by the parties

The issue of public financing of political parties has been part of the DU’s agenda since 2007. In this year, this issue was launched by an introduction workshop resulting in a public statement of all political parties, in which they requested a research to the possibilities of introducing public financing in Suriname. In 2008, the issue continued to be an important subject of discussion between the political parties. In order to have an objective view of the current situation and the specific needs of the different parties, the DU first initiated a research in 2008. On basis of this research, an international expert on public financing, Kevin Casas-Zamora, provided some recommendations on best models for party financing in Suriname. Additionally and on strong request of the participating parties, it was decided to parallel initiate a baseline study on civic awareness on public financing. In order to be successful in introducing such a progressive law, including adaptation by Parliament, sufficient public support is necessary, according to the participating parties. In the meantime, the recommendations are being discussed and subsequently preparations are made by drafting a law. This will continue in 2009.

Recommendations on financing political parties

In the beginning of the year, on request of the participating political parties, the DU initiated a research to the way political parties are currently financed and the specific need of the political parties to change this. The research formed the basis for a set of recommendations done by an international expert on the issue of political finance, Kevin Casas-Zamora, former vice-President in Costa Rica and currently a senior fellow of the Brookings Institution. Additionally, the DU in cooperation with the American Embassy also organised a lecture on party financing in the USA. The findings of both the research and seminars are being discussed by the participating political parties and further preparations are made to start drafting a law in 2009. In contrary to originally planned, the majority of the political parties also requested an awareness campaign in order to create public support as political parties are very much perceived as corrupt. Therefore the DU first decided to initiate a baseline study on civic awareness on this topic. The results showed that there is a lack of knowledge concerning party financing and it was decided to launch a campaign in 2009.  

More insight in issues of national importance and enhanced policy making skills

After a successful introduction workshop by IPP on the VoteMatch and how to use it as an instrument to develop party programmes -which created significant interest by the political parties and the media as well - the follow-up phase, namely a signed commitment of all parties, resulted in less commitment than expected, especially at the bigger parties. After several months of lobbying within the parties represented in the sound board, the two biggest ruling and one opposition party did not want to engage in a process of providing answers and motivation to a list of political statements and submitting these to a large number of party members. In order to receive a positive result from working with the VoteMatch, it was necessary that at least the biggest parties from the governing coalition as well as from the opposition participated in the process, the DU decided to postpone this programme until after the elections in 2010.

Concise analysis of State, society and political parties in Suriname

This objective was added in the second semester. Since very little has been published on the political system in Suriname, in cooperation with NIMD, the DU decided to initiate a concise analysis. This analysis and the results can be used as a baseline, upon which a future strategy for the programme can be developed. Since the preparations has only started in the end of 2008 not much result has been reached so far. However, since its start in 2006, the DU has developed itself as a recognised knowledge institute on Democracy. It has been working on a database, which contains all the details of all political parties in Suriname. Frequently, this database is being used by political parties itself, but is also available for a broader public, such as students, journalists and other interested people. Of all the activities executed in Suriname, the DU has documented all the information into publications, which are distributed broadly. Since Suriname is not a typical country of documenting information, the DU developing into a knowledge centre on Democracy can be considered as a significant result. Moreover, at the same time, it assists political parties in strengthening their institutional memory and capacity.  

Interactive assessment of political parties in Suriname

In October 2008, a new policy officer was recruited to initiate the interactive assessment of political parties in Suriname. New literature on democracy and political parties was obtained and a research plan was developed. However, after one month the policy officer resigned due to a lack of sufficient knowledge and experience on politics. Subsequently, the DU recruited a young and motivated intern at the end of 2008. In cooperation with the NIMD political advisor in the Netherlands, this analysis will be further developed in 2009.

Enhanced public support for democracy

Since the existing political culture in Suriname is being maintained by both sides; politicians and the constituencies, besides focussing on political parties, it is also necessary to focus on changing constituencies’ behaviour in order to make them able to hold politicians accountable for their actions. Since the start of the programme in Suriname, focussing exclusively on political parties was part of the strategy. However, after a few years, also the external evaluation confirmed that little impact was reached so far, since there is no pressing urge for political parties to transform themselves into democratic and transparent political parties. Therefore, the strategy for the programme was adjusted and more emphasis was put on civic education. In order to improve the relationship between political and civil society, the DU introduced a yearly celebration of the Democracy Month each November. This annual event is being organised in cooperation with a group of civil society organisations and representatives of political parties and can be considered as a first step towards setting up a broader stakeholder platform in the future.

Accountable politics through objective media information

In November 2008, the DU, in cooperation with the University of Suriname, UNDP, Institute of Social and Scientific Research (IMWO), the foundation Projekta and representatives of the private sector, introduced the Democracy Month. During this month a concentration of activities took place, all focused on civic education and stimulation of the interaction between politicians, civil society and the population in general. The activities consisted of a weekly TV and 6 radio broadcasts on democracy (during which questions could be put forward to politicians), student debates (at which the three winners won an exchange visit to the Netherlands focused on political youth participation), and publications on democracy in different newspapers. Moreover, the DU launched a Democracy Calendar (including all relevant memorable moments and dates of Suriname’s political history) and the Democracy Quiz. Overall, there was a high interest and participation on all activities and after an evaluation with the stakeholders, it is decided to continue this event in the coming years. Due to an increased knowledge on democracy, constituencies are now better equipped to hold politicians accountable for their actions.  

Media and politics strategy established to improve information on the political agenda

As a continuation of the TV and Radio broadcasts during the Democracy Month and as a preparation of the elections planned in 2010, the DU decided to develop a media and politics strategy in order to improve the information on the political agenda in 2009. By the end of the year, the preparations started with consulting experts. The strategy will be finished and executed in 2009.  

Scope of activities expanded; increased awareness of DU’s agenda for democracy support resulting in additional resources

As seen in the other objectives, the DU’s scope of activities has significantly expanded and due to frequent media attention on activities, the awareness of the DU’s agenda for democracy support has increased. Moreover, in order to increase the visibility of the DU, it has developed a public website at which the political database also will be published. The website will be launched early 2009. In May 2008, the new office of the DU was officially opened. Most stakeholders of political and civil society attended the opening at which the Executive Director, Roel von Meijenfeldt held an opening speech. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Maurits Hassankhan, officially opened the new building. Additionally, the DU maintains in close contact with the Dutch and American Embassy and other relevant organisations by informing on specific activities and looking for additional funding.  

Link between DU, UNDP, Caricom, and Suriname’s political parties strengthened

An international conference in cooperation with the UNDP and the University of Suriname on “Democracy and Rule of Law in Suriname and the Caribbean” was organised. The conference was hosted by the University of Suriname to celebrate its 40th anniversary. UNDP was involved in the formulation of the programme and attracting the relevant experts from the Caribbean. The conference was attended well and reached significant media attention. Due to this new realized partnership with UNDP, the link between the DU, UNDP, Caricom and the political representatives in Suriname has been strengthened. Activities focused on gender and youth participation will take place in 2009 as planned.  

Proposals by the DU and consensus in the sound board are reflected in the media and discussed by the political parties

The sound board meets quarterly, during which the political parties reflect on the past months and discuss the needs for the coming months. If necessary, the strategy and direction of the programme is being adjusted, in close consultation with NIMD. Since the DU is aiming for consensus in the sound board, sometimes the execution of activities is being postponed, like the train-the-trainers programme. Because of the increasing visibility of the DU, almost all activities and news of the DU are positively being reflected in the media, on television, radio and newspapers throughout the whole country.

Concerning the reporting and monitoring mechanisms, the DU improved its skills significantly. Since 2008, the Unit provides reports – including a narrative and financial accounting of their activities - every quarter, which meets NIMD requirements.