Political Transitions Project

Strengthening democratic electoral and political process

BACKGROUND

The Political Transitions Project (PTP) aims to strengthen key electoral institutions, civil society organizations, media and elected officials in order to promote inclusive participation in political processes.

OBJECTIVES

• Increase the capacity of key electoral and political processes (EPP) institutions to independently and effectively perform their duties, and respond to citizens’ needs. 
• Better inform and engage Tunisian citizens and civil society groups in elections and political processes. 
• Improve the electoral and political reform process through oversight and advocacy by civil society and other relevant stakeholders.

ACTIVITIES

• Support civic and voter education efforts, with a particular focus on marginalized groups, including youth, women, persons with disabilities, rural populations, and illiterate Tunisians; 
• Build the capacity of journalists and community radios to increase media literacy, combat dis/misinformation and to report on democratic and electoral issues; 
• Support the discussion around and development of evidence-based policies that directly address citizens’ needs while increasing the likelihood of policy implementation; 
• Support young political and social activists’ understanding of political economy and public policy analysis so they are better-prepared to advocate for and eventually lead citizen-centered governance that is able to deliver effective policies that meet citizen’s needs 
• Support robust citizen observation and electoral reform advocacy to enhance transparency and accountability of electoral and political processes, and ultimately bolster citizen confidence in the democratic process.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• USAID reached approximately 20,000 rural women living in 8 governorates during voter information campaigns for the 2022 Referendum and legislative elections. 
• USAID supported over 80% of accredited citizen observers during the 2022 Referendum leading to a more transparent process and holding the electoral officials accountable for the results. 
• USAID produced and distributed 1,250 civic education briefcases to the Ministry of Social Affairs to increase citizen awareness and understanding of civic matters. This activity is expected to reach a total of 100,000 citizens. 
• USAID provided training and support for more than 100 journalists to build their capacities in fact-checking, detecting fake news, and disinformation methods. 
• USAID established more than 13 online and offline listening posts in underserved to provide journalists and information producers with tools and platforms to listen to the information needs of their communities on a regular basis. This activity is expected to reach a total of 20 media outlets.