On 19th March 2024 African Interparty Dialogue Network and the Austrian Social Democratic
Party held a virtual session meeting discussing the collaboration between the two
organizations. The meeting was attended by members of East African Legislature Assembly,
IGAD/Mediation Support Unit, Inter Party Organization on Dialogue, African Bioethics
Network, and African Inter Party Dialogue Network: Social Innovation Africa.
The session was conducted by Mr. Kenneth Mypisi of African Inter Party Dialogue Network
who began by giving an an introduction of the organization as well as introducing all
members in attendance. Mr. Mpyisi introduced Maria Maltshnig from the Austrian Social
Democratic Party who began by giving an in-depth introduction and history of the party
academies as a whole, and how it was passed in to law via a party consensus in 1970.
Ms. Maltshnig introduced the Karl Renner Institut, with a Head Quarters and nine regional
offices, whose task is to transfer educational programmes to the regions. The mandate of
the party’s academies is partisan political education. The party organizes seminars and
courses to support Social Democratic, including trainings for politicians and activities to be
better skilled for the benefit of the population. Classical political skills campaigning,
negotiation and moderation are among the training and courses that are taught.
In an aim to represent all sections of the population, the organization has a female only
school that includes special cases for beginners of all classes and ages. There are also special
trainings which include but are not limited to: European Integration Political Education
Feminist Politics, Media and Politics, History of the Republic, including publishing of books
and publishing events. The institute has a long tradition of working together with academia
for the inclusion of dialogue and interaction rather than advisory risk, aiming to enrich the
policies and conversations. The institute is active in European Network of the Social
Democratic Political Foundations and Think Tanks.
Mr. Mpyisi commented on how grateful the network is and the lessons learnt and how the
network is welcoming and looking forward to all possible areas of collaboration between the
two organization. The conversation continued with a few questions and remarks from the
rest of the attendees.
Mr. Sserwamba of IPOD Uganda wanted to know what are the public funding parameters
are by law in Austria and Ms. Maltshnig explained that the funding is mostly public funding.
The parties are linked by law and if any funds are misused, the money shall be refunded by
the party.
Hon Gideon of East African Legislative Assembly asked how does the Austrian Social
Democratic Party handle concerning problems such as ruling party impunity because he
believes that It will be crucial to instill culture of democracy to shape the political behavior
in Africa. Ms. Maltshnig Austria commented that Austria has had a long history of
democracy, there was a just concluded celebration of 150 years of democracy anniversary,
and thus is well established.
Mr. Desmond Davies of African Briefing commented on how Impressed he was on the Karl
Renner Institut manner on the focus in communications and media, which is an issue in
Africa. He highlighted how Inadequate communication by politicians leave space for
rumormongering which allows space for conflict. Ms. Maltshnig agreed on the importance
of communication, and the manner in which it has evolved over the years. She highlighted
how crucial it is to train the party members on political communication and digital media
and avoid manipulation but rather go for respectful communication and value voters.
Ms. Maltshnig concluded with explain how curial the training of electoral commissions is
and how part of the international trainers’ project is to enable and educate members to be
trainers, establish competence in the trainers as well as capacity building of the members.
Mr. Kenneth Mpyisi highlighted that learning of democracy is a skill to be refined, the
organization shows democracy is to be learnt by the people and the leaders. He closed the
meeting by appreciating the presentation by Ms Maria Maltshnig, and appreciating the
participants for taking time to be present and engaging and will be looking forward to other
coming engagements. He commented that it is Important to reflect on what we have learnt
and AIPDN is looking forward to having further discussions on the possible areas of
collaborations and experience sharing opportunities.
