Party organization and functioning during and after the Pandemic

Abstract

The last two years have marked a rapid development in political parties’ transformation and change, in their internal democratisation processes, in their attempt at re-engaging members and voters, in their strategies for better communicating with the public and to involve citizens in different forms of participation. While some parties were already undergoing substantial organisational changes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many other parties were pushed by changing societal context to adapt to new operating conditions. This panel will explore thus the most recent trends in party organization and functioning, both online and offline: What are the recent developments of intra-party democracy? How did the pandemic affect parties’ functioning? How do parties stimulate members’ involvement? How are party resources affected by organizational changes and digitalization? How are electoral campaigns financed? How do parties take advantage of alternative digital sources of income?

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