Roadmap for Policy Implementation

~ A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

Having a roadmap for policy implementation is crucial to provide a clear plan of action to make the political system and its representation truly democratic. Here, we outline four strategies: Choose, Know, Be and Match the candidate, aimed at improving democratic representation.

CHOOSE THE CANDIDATE

Objective: To democratize the candidate selection process

Develop platforms:

• Create digital platforms for party members to vote or provide input on shortlisted candidates.
• Media and NGOs providing platforms for public voting for choosing candidates within the party and also for choosing candidates irrespective of the party.

Engage grassroots:

• Encouraging active participation from community members by conducting workshops and discussing the importance of inclusive candidate selection
• Organizing local meetings to discuss candidate options.

KNOW THE CANDIDATE

Objective: Enhancing transparency and encourage informed voting

Information disclosure:

• Using official platforms, such as by the Election Commission to publish introduction videos of every candidate with their detailed personal, academic, professional and political backgrounds.

Public platforms:

• Develop and maintain online portals for candidates to share their ideological and policy priorities ensuring easy accessibility of the information

BE THE CANDIDATE

Objective: Encourage participation of enthusiastic individuals in politics

Simplifying entry process:

• Create user-friendly online platforms for easy and hassle-free candidate registration
• Ensure efficient and effective methods, with clear legal and procedural requirements for new candidates

Support and Training:

• Mandating training programs for aspiring candidates, especially from marginalized communities
• Providing a toolkit with detailed roadmap for the candidate
• Providing financial support to aspiring candidates in need

Mentorship programs:

• Mentorship programs connecting new candidates with experienced politicians can help the candidates build network and gain support

Individual preparation:

• The candidate must prioritize an issue they want to work on and be prepared with the details on how they want to implement them.
• They can educate themselves through various courses available, which focus on leadership, management, politics and democracy.

MATCH THE CANDIDATE

Objective: Align the voter ideologies with the candidates and the party

Digital engagement platforms:

• Develop apps and websites where voters can compare and match their ideologies with those of the candidate.
• Organization of live-streamed debates and interviews to foster direct public engagement

Public ideological statements:

• Candidates must publicly declare their ideologies and they key issues they will take up when in power
• Regularly update and verify these statements to ensure their action is in accordance with their ideologies.

By following the roadmap we can work towards a more inclusive, transparent, and representative democratic process.