Since its creation in 1983,
CIPE's approach has been to work with business associations
and chambers of commerce to promote policy reform.
Building the capacity of the private sector to advocate
for reform is essential, but increasingly, CIPE faces
the need to work with the 'other side of the policy
equation' - political parties - to ensure that they
begin to listen to the private sector and solicit
its input when making key policy decisions.
In many countries, parties remain organizations of
slogans and personalities, which limits their ability
to be true representatives of their constituents
and undermines their capacity to develop good policies,
strengthen democratic institutions, and provide economic
opportunities. As
democracies face increasing pressure to deliver
social services and prospects for economic advancement,
political parties often find themselves at the center
of the debate.
How can political parties address citizens' frustration
with the political process? How can they ensure that processes
of democratic governance work? What can be done so that countries'
economies begin to experience sustainable growth
and that citizens see real improvements in their
quality of life?
In order to make democracies work and market economies function,
political parties must engage constituents in
an open and transparent manner to develop effective
policies. CIPE put together this
handbook to encourage political parties to work
with the private sector on developing
economic platforms - essentially mapping out the
course of a country's economic development. At
the core of it lies a process that will help countries
unleash the entrepreneurial potential of their citizens,
create jobs, attract investment, reduce poverty,
and improve standards of living. At the same time, the political
parties will be strengthening democratic
governance institutions.
We welcome your comments on the handbook, any suggestions for improvements,
or examples of your own work that you think should
be included in the final product. If you would like to comment
or contribute, don't hesitate to contact
us.
Download Making Your
Economy Work: A Handbook for Political Parties
