Dimension: 1.4.6 Cross-party groups

This dimension concerns the provisions on the establishment and functioning of cross-party groups. Cross-party groups provide an important forum for MPs from different parties to share information, discuss policy issues, channel common concerns and engage with relevant organizations.  

Cross-party groups – such as “caucuses”, “all-party parliamentary groups” or “inter-parliamentary friendship groups” – bring together MPs from different political parties and, in bicameral systems, from one or both chambers of parliament, to pursue a specific cause or issue. Such groups vary significantly in terms of their objectives, size and operating rules. They can be formal, semi-formal or informal in different systems. Some types of cross-party groups, such as caucuses of women parliamentarians, are found in many parliaments. 

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Aspiring goal

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “cross-party groups” is as follows:

  • MPs are authorized to establish cross-party groups.
  • Cross-party groups publish information about their structure, resources and activities. The code of conduct for MPs also applies to the activities of cross-party groups.
  • Cross-party groups meet regularly and engage with relevant organizations.
  • Parliament may in some cases provide cross-party groups with administrative support for their activities.
     

Assess your parliament against this dimension

Assessment criteria

No 1: Legal framework

The legal framework authorizes MPs to establish cross-party groups or presents no impediment to the establishment of such groups. 

No 2: Resources

Parliament provides cross-party groups with meeting venues and, in some cases, other resources such as administrative support.

No 3: Practice

In practice, cross-party groups have been established in parliament. Cross-party groups meet regularly and interact with relevant organizations, and the public is informed about their work. 

How to complete this assessment

This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based. 

The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:

  • Provisions of the legal framework on the establishment and organization of cross-party groups
  • Articles from the statutes of cross-party groups on transparency and the ethical conduct of members
  • Evidence of the existence of cross-party groups, as well as information about their composition, purpose and term
  • Records of cross-party group meetings

Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.

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Get help with this assessment

The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators. 

Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.

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