The impact of the effectiveness of political organizations on policy and life in the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) is examined in detail in this study, Politics and Poverty in the Andean Countries, published by International IDEA and the Transparencia Civil Association. Despite the wave of democracy and new economic policies that swept the region in the last quarter of the 20th century, average economic growth in the five countries was slight, exacerbating both poverty and the unequal distribution of wealth (which is, in itself, both a cause of and an obstacle to reducing poverty). This publication analyze the history and structure of governance in each country, along with its poverty figures, social programs, and poor agendas and platforms put forward by both governments and political organizations. The detailed analysis of each country is accompanied by a case study of a particular pro-poor policy or strategy, along with recommendations for making political systems more effective in addressing poverty and inequality, which lie at the root of many of the region's problems. It is pointed out that economic policy must not be separated from social policy goals, and that social policy must be aimed not only at pulling people out of poverty, but also at protecting them from sinking into it. This requires prudent and effective tax and fiscal policy; continued decentralization; well-designed labor and social security policies; and modern, accessible and uncorrupt judicial systems. The study recommends various areas of action on which political organizations and international cooperation agencies should focus, including strengthening parties to play an effective role in policy development for reducing poverty and inequality, public financing and electoral transparency, thresholds and other measures for creating stronger parties and coalitions, greater party cohesion in Congress to make legislatures more effective and responsive, and reinforcing the ability of political organizations and policy makers to develop and implement pro-poor policies at the national and local levels. Emphasis is also placed on promoting mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation among parties and with other sectors of society. Registration required for access to full text.