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Political parties and democracy

Motion for a resolution | Doc. 16005 | 10 June 2024

Committee
Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy

Political parties are essential to representative democracy, legitimising political systems through diverse representation, facilitating government formation, promoting political participation, mobilising voters, and fostering democratic values. Without effective and responsive political parties, democracy risks gridlock, polarisation, apathy, distrust, and extremism.

The Parliamentary Assembly should evaluate the functioning of political parties in Council of Europe member States, focusing on the following topics:

  • internal party democracy: examining accountability and decision-making processes within parties and members’ influence on leadership choices and policy decisions;
  • party membership awareness and engagement;
  • inclusivity and representativeness: assessing how well parties involve diverse and under-represented groups, and identifying strategies to engage youth;
  • interactions between parties and civil society organisations;
  • conflict resolution: evaluating parties' approaches to negotiation and consensus building;
  • political financing: investigating its transparency, sources and implications, also for campaigns and political advertising;
  • media influence and information accuracy: examining the role of media and social media for the internal workings of parties, and how parties educate to deal with dis- and mis-information challenges;
  • technological adaptation and cybersecurity: investigating how parties use new technologies for campaigning and voter engagement and ensure cybersecurity;
  • parties’ different roles in government and opposition, and their interactions with government structures;
  • democratic culture promotion: assessing the role of parties in fostering and educating in democratic values;
  • globalisation and international issues: exploring how parties are affected and deal with new global challenges.

This evaluation should consider the relevant historical contexts, explore the reasons for declining party membership, and analyse optimal practices, with suggestions for modernisation and citizens’ engagement.

The ensuing resolution should aim to enhance the responsiveness, trust in and accountability of political parties, thus strengthening our democratic systems.