The Working Group on Parliament and Reform of Political Parties Legislation, launched by UNDP’s Parliamentary Development Initiative in the<br />
Arab Region in 2006, met during three regional workshops (Rabat, 2006; Amman, 2006; and Casablanca, 2008) and one focus group meeting<br />
(Beirut, 2007). More than 40 Members of Parliament from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Yemen, in addition to researchers and experts on the subject from across the Arab region took part in these meetings. The discussions among this politically diverse group resulted in an agreement on a number of general principles that were debated and adopted by the working group members. These principles could serve as a basis for reviewing the current legislation or drafting new laws on political parties in the Arab Region. They could also contribute to the strengthening and institutional development of political parties in a functioning democratic system of government, and reinforce political participation as well as political pluralism. These principles address different aspects of political parties’ life, including their formation and membership, the by-laws, funding and financial management, and their relationships with the State and with various actors of society.