The Oslo Center offer support based on broad experience from politics in a stable and mature democratic system. Several young and fragile democracies have coalition governments. The Oslo Center offers to share its experience and expertise on how to make coalitions work. In spite of considerable differences in political culture and context, mature and immature democracies still face many of the same challenges.

As a partner in the coalition-building and democracy projects in Kenya, Somalia and Morocco, we have collaborated with the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The idea behind this initiative has been to inspire political leaders to embrace the concept of power sharing and to develop an understanding of practical steps and measures that have worked well in other countries.

Objectives

Well functioning coalition governments and coalitions that recognise opposition groups in parliaments as an integral part of democracy.

Respect for democratic values and human rights as an integral part of good governance.

Kjell Magne Bondevik and staff from the The Oslo Center visited Kenya several times to share their experience in developing and running effective coalition governments, and to counsel the political parties and presidential candidates in Kenya during 2007.

As part of our contribution to the mediation efforts spearheaded by Mr. Annan in the beginning of 2008, NDI invited Kjell Magne Bondevik to advise on the formulation and structure of the proposed Grand Coalition and to underscore the urgency of rapid resolution of the situation.

During 2008 we have kept close contact with the key players and Kofi Annan in order to share information and views and discuss how we best can contribute further in the process. We also paid new visits to Kenya to meet with the key players.

During the summer of 2008 the Oslo Center also decided to start working with NDI on Somalia in a new program on targeted capacity-building workshops and related technical assistance to support the emerging Council of Ministers Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the President, and key staff members. We have had a four day workshop with Somalia's transitional administration to develop its central leadership and decision-making structures. This initiative is funded by the Norwegian government. Read more about the workshop.

In December 2007 we visited Morocco, on invitation from NDI.

The newly established Oslo Center – US Foundation in Minneapolis signed an agreement of cooperation ith National Democratic Institute in September 2008.

Relevant links

Grand Coalition Policy Document ready (The Standard)

Efficiency unit to be set up in PM`s Office (Daily Nation)