Governance

International IDEA is governed by its Council of Member States and by its Statutes, the latest of which entered into force in November 2008.

The Institute's governance consists of a Council of Member States, a Steering Committee, a Finance and Audit Committee, a Board of Advisers and a Secretariat, led by the Secretary-General Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora.

Council of Member States

Our Council of Member States are governments from all regions. This global presence is a feature that reinforces the legitimacy of International IDEA's activities. 

Membership in International IDEA is open to governments which demonstrate, by example in their own state, their commitment to the rule of law, human rights, the basic principles of democratic pluralism and strengthening democracy.

Chairship

Each year, the Council elects a Chair and two Vice Chairs among its Members States. The Chairship term runs from the end of the annual Council meeting (usually in December) to the next annual Council meeting. 

Chair
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Joined 2018
Vice Chair
Uruguay
Uruguay
Joined 2003
Vice Chair
Norway
Norway
Joined 1995
Chairship group rotation
 
2026
India, Mauritius, Mexico
2027
South Africa, Belgium, Costa Rica
2028
Brazil, Philippines, Spain
Learn more about our Chairship
Member States
Observer

Member States

Australia
Australia
Barbados
Barbados
Belgium
Belgium
Benin
Benin
Botswana
Botswana
Brazil
Brazil
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde
Canada
Canada
Chile
Chile
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
Estonia
Estonia
Finland
Finland
France
France
Germany
Germany
Ghana
Ghana
India
India
Indonesia
Indonesia
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Mauritius
Mauritius
Mexico
Mexico
Mongolia
Mongolia
Namibia
Namibia
Netherlands
Netherlands
Norway
Norway
Panama
Panama
Peru
Peru
Philippines
Philippines
Portugal
Portugal
South Africa
South Africa
Spain
Spain
Sweden
Sweden
Switzerland
Switzerland
Tunisia
Tunisia
Uruguay
Uruguay
United States
United States
(Observer)
Japan
Japan
(Observer)

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee prepares the meetings of the Council of Member States and furthers the interests of the Institute between the Council meetings. It is composed of the Council Chair and Vice Chairs, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Advisers and a representative of the Institute’s headquarters country (Sweden). The Secretary-General is an ex-officio member of the Steering Committee.

Member States in the Steering Committee in 2024 include Luxembourg, Norway, Uruguay and Sweden.

Switzerland
Switzerland
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
Indonesia
Indonesia
Sweden
Sweden

Finance and Audit Committee

The Finance and Audit Committee oversight responsibilities include financial planning, the audit process, financial reporting, the system of financial controls and risk management.

Board of Advisers

Our Board of Advisers are eminent personalities or experts from a wide variety of backgrounds. The Board provides advice on our work and strategic direction, strengthens our partnership building and fundraising efforts and helps to increase our visibility and outreach.

International IDEA's Board of Advisers

Secretariat

International IDEA has a Secretariat headed by a Secretary-General who is responsible to the Council of Member States. Our Secretary-General provides strategic leadership for the Institute, reports on the overall implementation of activities, represents the organization externally, and develops strong relations with Member States and other constituencies. The Secretary-General appoints staff to carry out the programmes of the organization.
Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora

Kevin Casas-Zamora

Work with us

Our funding and other types of contributions come from our Member States and other financial partners. Become our partner and learn more about how we can jointly undertake actions in Value for Partnership.

Contact
Strömsborg
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