The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization which supports sustainable democracy worldwide. It was created in 1995. IDEA strives to link those who monitor and analyse trends in democracy and activists who engage directly in political reform or support democracy at home and abroad. IDEA aims to develop and strengthen the institutions and culture of democracy. It works in partnership with a range of institutions and operates at international, regional and national level.

Aims

• Assisting countries building capacity to strengthen and develop democratic institutions.
• Providing a forum for dialogue between policy-makers, academics and practitioners.
• Synthesizing research and field experience, and the development of practical tools to help improve democratic processes.
• Promotion of accountability, transparency and efficiency in election management.
• Facilitation of local democracy assessment, monitoring and promotion by local citizens.

Current areas of activity

• Democracy building and conflict management – developing the process for building consensus, setting priorities, designing political institutions and constitutions, organising dialogue and decision making, promoting reconciliation and inclusive democracy.
• Strengthening electoral processes – adapting electoral systems, improving access and turnout, ensuring professional management and independence, building public confidence.
• Developing political parties as actors in democracy – reviewing external regulation and enforcement, public funding, internal management and democracy, relations with civil society and the public.
• Political equality and participation, especially of underrepresented groups, including women in politics – identifying ways to build commitment and experience with special measures such as quotas.

IDEA offers database access on topics as voter turnout, electoral system design ,quotas for women and political finance laws and regulations. IDEA has been granted UN observer status. It’s founding member states are Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, India, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden. It has 24 members today.

External links

• Homepage
• Voter Turnout Database
• Electoral System Design Database
• quotaproject.org - Quotas for Women Database
• Political Finance Laws and Regulations Database

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