On 20–21 June 2026, as part of the Swiss Electoral Support Programme, IFES organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for representatives of political parties, titled “Beyond Elections: Building Active and Citizen-Oriented Political Parties.” The workshop brought together representatives from 12 political parties to discuss how the parties can remain active, relevant, and connected to citizens between election cycles. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants explored contemporary challenges facing political parties and exchanged experiences from their work at the local level.
The programme focused on strengthening organizational capacities, improving communication and citizen engagement, and enhancing the ability of political parties to translate their programmes into meaningful action. Participants discussed strategies for maintaining active party structures outside election periods, fostering a sense of belonging among members, and ensuring that elected representatives effectively promote party policies while responding to local needs. The workshop also introduced participants to the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence as a tool for political party work and public communication.
Throughout the two days, participants reflected on the importance of evidence-based policymaking and explored practical approaches for identifying citizens’ priorities and transforming them into policy proposals. The discussions reinforced the role of political parties as a key link between citizens and democratic institutions and highlighted the importance of continuous engagement, innovation, and local action in building stronger and more responsive political organizations.
