governance & democracy

GOVERNANCE & DEMOCRACY

At MMC we believe that a well-coordinated multi-sector approach is the most effective method of achieving the MDGs (listed in section A.2). An enabling political environment is a necessary condition for successful implementation of the MDGs activities especially in nascent unstable democracies. To this end, we are partners-in-progress working with our clients to ensure that democratic principles and good governance are well institutionalized in countries where they are most needed. The following are our areas of focus towards creating an enabling political environment.

Democratic Principles & Processes

The wind of democratic change is usually accompanied by restructuring and re-modeling of political institutions in the direction of wider participation and a new engagement with civil society. MMC has a formidable array of expertise to help meet the needs of evolving democracies especially those of African countries. We have expertise in the area of legislative training, civil service reforms, government interfacing, federal, state and local government administration, governmental institutions and civil society. Rather than handing down a blueprint as a one-size-fits-all, we work with our clients to set realistic objectives within the socio-political milieu in which they pertain. With its home-grown and international expertise, MMC is uniquely positioned to assist in meeting challenges of our clients.

Legislature

At MMC we explore service in the legislative process at the Federal, Regional, State, and Local government levels through workshops, seminars, panel meetings, and lecture series. We draw on specific examples of successes and failures across developing and developed nations. We adopt a holistic approach designed to help enhance the capacity and legislative orientation of our clients. Also, we provide advice to governments and international organizations on specific legislative issues, the process of drafting a new legislation, review and evaluation of current ones, election law and legislative procedures.

Executive

The executive arm of government whether at the federal, state, or local level is vital to successful implementations of policies and the development of a nation. MMC provides in-house or off-site seminars, workshops, and lectures to government officials and related clients at various levels. Among other things, we give special services to our clients on; leadership and responsible governance, the electorate and public accountability, realistic manifesto and commitment, relations with other executive arms, and interface with the Media.

Judiciary

The judiciary is an important arm of any democratic government. In order to be functional and effective, it needs to be seen as credible and be alive to the primary responsibility of interpreting and illuminating the laws of the land and adjudicating as necessary. At MMC, we work with our clients to increase their understanding of the Judiciary and to forge good working relationships amongst them at the federal, state and local government levels of governance. We integrate the judiciary in the enlightenment process to bridge gaps between the legislative and Judiciary spheres as well as between the Executive and the Judiciary, and develop trust and cooperation across board.

Civil Service

MMC provides specialized services to civil servants at all levels of government. We organize in-house or off-site workshops, seminars, and lectures to enhance our client’s ability to manage change within the context of a rapidly evolving political environment. Our services are custom made to meet client’s specific needs. Key components of the topics that we cover include; the workings of government, time management and efficiency, quality control in service delivery, interdepartmental cooperation, and personnel recruitment and welfare.

Political Parties

In burgeoning transitional democracies, there is need to assist parties grow into institutions with democratic principles and values embedded in their operations. At MMC, we offer specialist seminars and workshops in all aspects of political party organization, renewal, membership and strategic insights. Although political parties each have their own philosophies and ideology, manifestoes, and reasons for their existence and relevance in the society, all share one common goal of attaining political power.

MMC is well equipped to provide mechanics of party development, growth, and other political or democratic formulations. How many political parties, for example, have a clear and well-thought ideology? How many have well grounded manifestos that clearly represent the ideals of their people? We contribute to helping political parties go through the learning curve and mature through training and advice in the following broad areas; party formation and structures, roles and functions of party secretariat, election processes and standards, understanding the polity, principles of democratic governance, electoral and voting systems, campaigning strategies, opinion polling and result forecasting, and rallies and fund-raising techniques.

Civil Society

There is a growing involvement of international NGOs in various aspects of development work in transitional democracies. In recent years, they have been assisted, complemented and even, in some cases, supplanted by local NGOs in providing specialized programs to improve social service provisions. We offer advice and undertake political risk analysis for our NGO clients to enable them make informed decisions in navigating the political landscape in which they operate.