Consortium for Elections and Political Processes (CEPPS)

This ongoing political parties and elections project, implemented by the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes (CEPPS), includes the International Foundation for Elections Systems, International Republican Institute, and National Democratic Institute. The project aims to strengthen electoral and political processes that develop and encourage institutions for peaceful political competition, which reflect the will of the people and lead to improved governance and stable, relatively predictable political outcomes. For FY 07, the program will continue to provide training and technical capacity building to strengthen electoral and political process and institutions in Afghanistan by: 1) Improving the efficacy of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in areas of technical and strategic planning, rationalization of technology and training, and the establishment a more permanent voter registry system. 2) Supporting the political development of the National Assembly, including the development of political groupings, improving committee management and oversight, and strengthening leadership and outreach skills. 3) Supporting the political development of provincial councils. 4) Fostering the growth of democratic pluralism, through political parties and/or groupings at the grassroots level, particularly working with at least 300 youth, community leaders and\or district shuras. Strengthening these electoral and political and processes and institutions will increase the prospects of credible national elections in 2009 and help entrench such elections as the sole vehicle for citizens to select their leaders. If strengthened, these processes and institutions will lead to better developed political groupings and parties that operate more responsibly, better represent Afghan citizens and govern more effectively in the parliament and provincial councils.

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