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further refine the dialogue methodology. This has been a process of both
internal reflection and external inputs.
Table 1. The Four Phases of Dialogue
Core Functions Methodology Products
Facilitating Participatory and Widened national space
dialogue empowerment for dialogue and
approach debate about
democratic reforms
Assessing Comprehensive, locally Assessment reports
democracy owned, agenda with a with democratic reform
focus on the dynamics agenda, Capacity
of democratization Building series
of publications
Establishing and/or Advice about Institutional capacity
strengthening local institutional to implement
permanent structures development the democracy
for democratization and brokerage of reform agenda’s
international and monitor the
assistance democratization
process
Providing policy Sharing of Policy seminars
advice on lessons learned for IDEA member
strategic democracy
assistance
states and others
The overall objective of the country programmes based on the foregoing
methodology is to promote democratic reform by:
Identifying a cross-sectional group of actors in a given country and/or
region as a partner.
Assisting this group to conduct an assessment of the challenges and opportunities
for democratization facing their country. The extensively consultative
and consensus building assessment results in a Democracy Assessment
Report as a blueprint for political reforms.
Using the results of the dialogue process (Assessment Report) to set the
country specific agenda for democratic reform. This often includes further
dialogue and debates on identified issues for example, undertaking a
widespread consultative discussion around constitutional reform and also
providing limited technical assistance to key institutions which need it
such as the election management body, the courts, parliament, etc.
The overall outcome has been to build a long-term culture of dialogue in
societies which had limited or blocked situations and where lack of dialogue
contributed to deepening conflict.