Foreword by
Benedikt Seemann
Resident Representative, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines Office and Project Director, DEPAdev Bangsamoro
and
Benedicto Bacani
Executive Director, Institute for Autonomy and Governance
 
The political entity that will one day be called the Bangsamoro needs democrats to make it work. Regardless of whether the future will bring a new autonomous region or a federal region – the fate and well-being of the people depends on their ability to govern themselves. In order to acquire that ability, it is not enough to merely elect officials or simply run for office. Self-determined, meaningful politics calls for a mature and active civil society. After all, the meaning of the word democracy implies that the people rule, the many – not the few.

 

The EU-funded project “Democratic Party Development Bangsamoro” provides the knowledge and the skills to become an active part of politics. Genuine, democratic, membership-based political parties establish the breeding ground for fair and active civil society participation in public decision-making. Therefore, this publication elaborates on the foundations of political parties itself, on how to build and run organizations that shall have a meaningful impact on politics in Mindanao. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (as the implementing organizations of this project) hope to contribute to lasting peace in Mindanao through our efforts in civic education and political party building. We aim to provide the tools to build vehicles for political pluralism, fair competition and, eventually, a better future for the people of the Bangsamoro.

 

 

This publication is now available in print. To reserve a copy:

Contact Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines Office in Manila, or IAG thru DEPAdev's Narciso Jover Jr. in Cotabato City.

 

The e-copy can be downloaded for free here.

 

Learn more about DEPAdev.