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- Title
REFORM OF POLITICAL PARTIES - WORKING TOWARDS DEMOCRACY.
- Abstract
Effective political party structures are central to democratic ideals and the effective functioning of electoral systems. Backed with progressive reforms, political party reforms also accelerate female participation in democracy and decision-making. Kenya's new constitution was lauded for its reformist orientation including reforms to political parties. Despite skewed representation favouring men in the higher echelons of political parties, women still make up the majority of party followers. Any changes undertaken should ensure the cultural base of the community is reflected in its constitution and in arrangements to share party positions. Transparent processes are a significant step in reforming political parties. Gender equity in all leadership roles is the entry point to kick-start political party reforms. Equity in party leadership positions is a major step in the democratization of a society. Strict adherence to a proportional system helps in entrenching female participation in party echelons. The session reiterated that agitation by women for equity is continuing to redefine what democracy ought to be and the direction to take to remain relevant. Participatory democracy must also cascade to women's participation and representation in all decision-making levels including in socio-economic structures. A breakthrough could be achieved through, among others: the training of trainers; communication skills training to enable women to gain confidence and enhance competency in political affairs, and grant-financing women to vie for electoral and party positions. Women Parliamentarians should agitate for a "zebra" formula as a model for sharing party positions to ensure that women are adequately represented.
- Subjects
KENYA; POLITICAL parties; DEMOCRACY; DECISION making; COMMUNICATIVE competence; KENYAN politics &; government, 2002-
- Publication
Parliamentarian, 2010, Vol 91, Issue 4, p368
- ISSN
0031-2282
- Publication type
Article