IDEA/EIP pre-conference workshop IPSA "Contentious elections, conflict and regime transitions"

On the occasion of the 24th World Congress of Political Science, which will take place on 23-27 July 2016 at Poznan, Poland, International IDEA is set to lead discussions on key democracy issues and topics. Organized by the International Political Science Association (IPSA), the biennial is considered a key environment to advance and develop the field of political science with the relevant contributions of experts, scholars, and policymakers at all levels.

International IDEA, in particular, has organized three key meetings. The first of which is the Electoral Integrity Project Workshop (Saturday, 23 July 2016 – 9:00-19:00, Sheraton Hotel), which will examine and explain the consequences of contentious elections for regime stability and change. It focuses on new research and address key burgeoning questions. When does conflict strengthen processes of democratization? Where an outcry over election fraud and corruption destabilizes the old regime? When does it trigger a backlash or coup d’état which sets back democratic transitions? And, when does conflict fizzle out without achieving any substantive reforms or opposition gains?

The second is a panel on Insights from Regional Organizations: How to Tackle Inequality and Exclusion? (Sunday, 24 July 2016 – 13:30-15:15, Poznań Congress Center). This looks at how regional organizations and multi-stakeholder partnerships can contribute to fight inequality and exclusion at the regional level worldwide. The panel aims to advance the policy discourse about the role of regional organizations, identifying potential challenges, as well as opportunities on matters related to inequalities in power, wealth, human rights, democracy and security. Panelists include: Dr. Isabelle Ioannides, Dr. Massimo Tommasoli, Dr. George Mukundi Wachira and Ms. Sara Mia Noguera

The third is a panel on Money in Politics: Regional Approaches Tackling a Global Concern (Wednesday, 27 July 2016 – 15:30-17:15, Poznań Congress Center). Money in politics is perhaps the single biggest threat to democracy that is hurting both established and emerging democracies alike. Inadequately controlled flows of money are undermining the credibility of elections and the integrity of democratic institutions and processes across all regions of the world. The panel aims to advance the debates on political finance, making the shift from the simple recognition of the problem to a solution-based discussion where best practices are known, shared and encouraged. Panelists include: Dr. Daniela R. Piccio, Dr. Magnus Ohman, Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, Dr. Andreas Ufen and Dr. Susan Scarrow

Other than these key meetings, International IDEA will also have a booth to its key publications and knowledge resources. If you will be at the Congress, come and visit us there to obtain your free copy of our classic and latest books and policy papers!