Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

When launching the PPA Programme last fall, NIMD started working on the institutional development of political parties through strategic planning. This innovative approach was implemented by NIMD Georgia and the possibility of implementing this approach in other programme countries is actively being discussed.

The 8-step strategic planning methodology used in this PPA Programme was created as a combination of the best international practices and the understanding of Georgian political landscape. This process of a year with political parties has been facilitated by NIMD consultants – professionals with diverse backgrounds.

While reviewing the PPA program, consultants noted that NIMD’s effort to support institutional development of political parties has direct positive impacts. Not only on party organisations but it also provides opportunities to coordinate donor support and achieve more efficiency in this respect. As emphasised by the experts, the programme promotes active interparty dialogue and assists parties to analyse internal weaknesses and strengths. Based on comprehensive SWOT analysis viable strategies are developed.

Some of NIMD's political party partners have already completed work on strategic development plans and currently receive support to realise strategic goals related to institutional strengthening.

The piloting methodology in Georgia allowed NIMD and the consultants to assess the efficiency of employing strategic planning methodology (well adopted in public and private sector) in the work with the political parties.

Based on recommendations, evaluation and observation drawn by the consultants NIMD intends to improve the strategic planning methodology for political parties and publish guidelines in cooperation with International IDEA in their role as a strategic partner of NIMD.