Political Parties

Political parties increasingly use digital technology tools to enhance their communication and organizing efforts. Digital-first organizing has benefits, but parties must also consider the need to reach populations with less access to digital tools. New challenges like digital disinformation, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity place new demands on political parties to adapt in order to reach their political goals. The challenges posed by disinformation and cybersecurity threats are amplified for marginalized groups including women (particularly women in politics), ethnic and racial minorities, and gender and sexual minorities. Political parties that understand these barriers are better able to remain competitive in increasingly diverse electorates, and ensure women and marginalized communities have a voice in decision-making. ​Read More on NDI.org

Defending Against Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks against political parties have significant consequences, such as disrupting operations, damaging reputation, or stealing information. NDI works with political parties to navigate and mitigate cybersecurity challenges through customized consultation and the following resources.

Protecting the Truth Online

Supporting a healthy information environment requires political parties to join a whole-of-society effort that counters disinformation, promotes the truth, and establishes norms around acceptable political behavior. Additionally, online violence and targeted disinformation are serious hurdles for the political participation of women and other marginalized communities. NDI works with political parties to develop normative standards for the online behavior of parties and their members, training on how to protect their online identities, and guidance on how they can promote positive information and counter negative content in politics.

Taking Advantage Civic Technologies and Involving the Tech Community

Technology tools are enabling new ways for political parties to influence voters and win elections, and social media platforms have become an important space for political engagement. With vibrant civic tech communities around the world, parties have the opportunity to tap into that energy both by leveraging technologies created by civic actors, and by engaging these individuals and organizations to work toward common objectives. NDI works to reinforce networks and support tools that facilitate this collaboration.

Adapting to Emerging Technologies

New emerging technologies can rapidly and drastically alter the digital landscape for political parties. New technologies are changing how people receive and communicate information. The digitization of political processes will change how parties organize, campaign, and communicate with voters, making it crucial for parties to remain aware of emerging trends. NDI's work on emerging technology focuses on large changes in the digital ecosystem, including hardware, software, and prevailing norms, that may impact democratic development.

Designing Better Political Campaigns

Accessible, intuitive, and easy-to-use technology products and services are an increasingly important way to connect with constituents, influence voters and share political messages. NDI works with political parties to engage the audience in designing the right messages at the right time, using the tools they interact with every day.

Opening Spaces to Connect with Voters

Political parties thrive when they are able to reach the entire electorate. Defending the rights of all people to associate with parties online, to promote an open interent in their platforms, and to access the internet regardless of political or other forms of discrimination, can be powerful actions to promote a safe open internet for democracy.