WFD started working in the Maldives in July 2019. The Democratic Accountability and Stability Strengthening programme has two main focus areas; enhancing the operation of parliamentary committees to promote accountability and scrutiny of laws, and strengthening of parliamentary processes and procedures for the Parliament to become a more inclusive, gender-responsive and accountable institution. WFD’s work in the Maldives supports MPs, parliamentary staff and civil society organisations through exposure, technical assistance and capacity building opportunities.
Since the introduction of a new constitution in 2008, the parliament, political parties, independent institutions and civil society organisations have played a key role in promoting democracy in the Maldives. During 2008-2012, many stakeholders recognised a positive contribution to that development only to witness, over the next few years, momentum stall, and in some instances reversed, with severe constraints on space for political and civic engagement.
The presidential and parliamentary elections in 2018 and 2019 respectively confirmed the Maldivian people’s desire for change. Following Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) election promise of transformational change, the Maldivian people overwhelmingly voted for the MDP led coalition in the presidential elections and enabled MDP to secure a 2/3 majority in the parliament. The challenge before the new parliament and government is clear; to transition, from a system of authoritarian and highly centralised governance to one that prioritises decentralisation, the rule of law and independent and inclusive democratic institutions. The process of change is ambitious, challenging and complex, with multiple actors and strands of reform. Yet, these developments present a unique window of opportunity to make progress.
Having led the induction and orientation of newly appointed MPs in July 2019, WFD is supporting the Maldives parliament to improve its processes and procedures. This is being done by sharing expertise and training parliamentary staff and MPs on legislative drafting, developing a new code of conduct and supporting the parliament in drafting a strategic plan.
WFD is providing technical support to parliamentarians and staff to scruitinise laws and policies with a gender sensitive lens. The aim is to build institutional capacity that leads to he parliament becoming a gender-responsive and inclusive legislature.
WFD is supporting the parliamentary leadership, chairs, vice chairs and officials of key scrutiny and oversight committees through sharing experiences and expertise. This also includes working with the committees on thematic areas such as Environment and Climate Change, and Human Rights and Gender.
Context: The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK’s democracy assistance agency, working in partnership with political parties, parliaments and civil society organisations around the world to create more inclusive, accountable and transparent democratic systems. WFD strengthens the capacity of these key democratic institutions, helping ensure they have the systems, knowledge and skills to […]
WFD is looking for a parliamentary advisor to support its Supporting Democratic Stability in Bangsamoro Programme. The Parliamentary Advisor will work closely with the programme team to guide, plan and organise parliamentary engagements. The Parliamentary Advisor will be expected to provide bespoke advisory support to members and staff of the Bangsamoro Parliament across several technical […]
Context Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is delivering the Global Equality Project (GEP), in collaboration with the Kaleidoscope Trust (KT), an eight-month programme funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), to work with decision-makers and civic actors to make progress towards advancing gender equality and LGBT+ inclusion. The programme will be delivered […]
