Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability-TDEA

The Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA) was established in October 2008. It was a spin-off of the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). After having conducted the largest domestic observation of general elections -2008 in Pakistan and influencing the subsequent process of electoral reforms, member organizations that formed FAFEN decided to formalize the network by acquiring legal status as a prerequisite to sustainability of the landmark work. Following exhaustive discussions that spanned more than a year, FAFEN member organizations decided to transform the network into a legal entity. The establishment of TDEA and subsequent process of institutionalization was a step towards sustainability of work initiated in the area of election observation, voter education and electoral reforms advocacy. Subsequently, TDEA was registered under Trust Act 1882.

TDEA developed a defined governance structure keeping in view the statutory requirements and dynamism of the network that drew its strength from participatory decision-making, inclusiveness and collective action. While Trust can take any measures to achieve its objectives, The Trust Deed empowers TDEA to execute its programs through FAFEN in advancement of its objectives and to ensure a maximum outreach to its beneficiaries — general pubic of all ages, gender, race, ethnicity, creed and religions in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. TDEA is governed under its Compendium of Policies and Procedures, which define governance and processes for the day-to-day management of its functions. As a forward-looking organization, the Trust organizes itself to maximize efficiency, output, internal accountability and transparency.

Vision
A democratic and just society that guarantees rights, respect and dignity of all individuals.

Mission
TDEA-FAFEN strives to strengthen public accountabilities by enhancing capability of citizens’ associations to work for civil liberties, improved governance, democracy and peace in Pakistan.

Objective
The aims and objectives of the Trust are:

To educate people of all ages, gender, race, ethnicity, creed and religion about their democratic rights and responsibilities;
To educate people of all ages, gender, race, ethnicity, creed and religion about the significance of engaging in all forms of democratic processes for democratic governance;
To engage people and civil society groups in carrying out democratic accountabilities such as election observation, oversight of legislatures, government oversight and any other as may be decided by the Board;
To undertake research and bring out periodic print and online publications in areas it deems fit in order to inform its work and for democratic education of general public.