Funding political parties in emerging African democracies: What role for Norway?
2002
H. Mathisen | L. Svåsand
This report addresses the problem of foreign funding of political parties in newly democratised African states. First, it identifies some problems associated with the development of political parties in Africa and indicates how funding may contribute to resolving these problems. Then, it explains what is meant by the concept of political funding, and presents some models of foreign party funding that may act as models for the future Norwegian support programme. The status of Norwegian parties’ involvement in party supporting activities in new democracies is reviewed, discussing the pros- and cons- of foreign party funding.The report addresses some problems that should be avoided when introducing Norwegian funding for parties, and indicates an organisational model that may limit some of the inherently problematic aspects of foreign funding while at the same time make a meaningful contribution to building democratic and sustainable multi-party systems.The authors argue that it is essential to see African democracies strengthened from within. Providing support must not be about imposing models from the outside, but supporting national processes and improving the quality of the political system. The objective is not to make sure that every existing party in a given polity survives, but to reduce the arbitrariness with which parties now seem to be created as well as disappearing.
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