IDEA has collected and produced a number of information databases on different areas of democracy and elections worldwide.
International IDEA Databases and Networks
Disclaimer: International IDEA’s databases are under reconstruction until the end of 2008 and will be consequently updated. Users should be aware that in this period the data are reviewed and may be outdated. If you find inaccuracies or would like to suggest updates, please contact Adhy Aman at a.aman@idea.int. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for any incovenience this might cause.
The State of Democracy assessment methodology (SoD) is a tool intended for use by citizens to assess the quality of their democracy, and define priority areas for policy and democratic reform. The network website includes an interactive version of the Democracy Assessment Framework, a collection of Assessments conducted around the world, the home of the Expert Network, as well as interviews, related publications, links and an Ask the Expert feature.
Addressed to reconciliation practitioners, analysts and policy makers, the Reconciliation Resource Network (RRN) serves as an online forum for sharing information, best practices, links and other resources. In addition, the RRN also provides a forum for structured, searchable discussion of emerging issues, challenges and trends in the field of reconciliation.
The International IDEA database on Political Finance Laws and Regulations contains information on the laws on funding of political parties for more than 100 countries in the world. That makes it the largest collection of such information available.
The International IDEA Voter Turnout Website contains the most comprehensive global collection of political participation statistics available. Regularly updated voter turnout figures for national presidential and parliamentary elections since 1945 are presented country by country, using both the number of registered voters and voting age population as indicators. Where available, we also include the spoilt ballot rate for each election. Included also are the most recent indicators of literacy and human development, along with the type of electoral system currently used and whether voting is compulsory or not.
The choice of electoral system is one of the most important institutional decisions for any democracy. Electoral systems define and structure the rules of the political game; they help determine who is elected, how a campaign is fought, the role of political parties, and most importantly, who governs. Furthermore, the choice of an electoral system can help to "engineer" specific outcomes, such as to encourage cooperation and accommodation in a divided society.
A database of information compiled about various aspects of civic education programmes in democratic countries all over the world. Researchers in many countries have been collaborating with IDEA staff in this major effort.
Partnership Networks
International IDEA and Stockholm University are producing a comparative knowledge and resources on their implementation and impact of quotas for women. This website provides information on the various types of quotas in existence today, detailing the percentages and targets in countries where they are applicable. This database is intended as a working research tool.
The Administration and Cost of Elections (ACE) Electronic Publication represents the first-ever attempt to provide a globally accessible information resource on election administration. It provides user-friendly, operationally oriented information on options, detailed procedures, alternative solutions and the administrative and cost implications associated with organising elections.
A systematic collection of how countries actually manage their elections (used to be called EPIC) is now integrated in the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network. By presenting information about electoral systems, electoral management, legislative framework, voter registration, voter education and other related topics in a wide range of countries, users are able to compare, and identify common practice within electoral administration.
The International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics) is the first virtual network linking women in politics throughout the world. Drawing on a database of over 100 experts on women in politics, this innovative global platform was specifically designed to promote gender-sensitive governance and advance the role and number of women in political and public life.
BRIDGE is the most comprehensive professional development course available in election administration. It has been developed by electoral administrators themselves, people with wide experience of elections in many different countries and contexts. It improves the skills, knowledge, and confidence both of election professionals and key stakeholders in the electoral process including members of the media, political parties, and electoral observers.
Interactive Overview of combinations of Electoral Systems and Quota Types
