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The key findings on tracking the progress on SDG 16 using the Global State of Democracy Indices data are as follows:

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this commentary are those of the authors. This commentary is independent of specific national or political interests. Views expressed do not necessarily represent the institutional position of International IDEA, its Board of Advisers or its Council of Member States.

To mark the importance of democracy, International IDEA will be celebrating and involved in various activities and dialogues on strengthening a more democratic world.

Join us and our partners in commemorating the International Day of Democracy throughout the entire second week of September.

#DefendDemocracy

15 -18 September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had huge implications for elections around the world in 2020. At least 70 countries and territories across the globe decided to postpone either national or subnational elections between 21 February and 31 August.

On 24–25 October 2019, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)—together with the Edinburgh Centre for Constitutional Law (ECCL) and the Political Settlements Research Programme (PSRP) at the University of Edinburgh—hosted the inaugural event in a series of forums to be known as the Women Constitution-Makers’ Dialogue.

On 10 August 2020, the government of the People’s Republic of China announced it would sanction several leaders of pro-democracy organizations, including Carl Gershman, President of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED); Ambassador Derek Mitchell, President of the National Democratic Institute (NDI); Daniel Twinning, President of the International Republican Institute (IRI); and Micha

El 10 de agosto de 2020, el gobierno de la República Popular China anunció que sancionaría a varios líderes de las organizaciones a favor de la democracia, entre ellos Carl Gershman, presidente de National Endowment for Democracy (NED); el embajador Derek Mitchell, presidente del Instituto Nacional Demócrata (NDI); Daniel Twinning, presidente del

The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Constitutions Assessment Tool helps users to analyse a constitution from the perspective of indigenous peoples’ rights.

Este artículo está disponible en Español.

International IDEA is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Keboitse Machangana, an indefatigable defender of democracy and women’s rights. We extend our sincere condolences to her family.

IDEA Internacional se entristece profundamente al enterarse de la repentina muerte de Keboitse Machangana, una defensora infatigable de la democracia y los derechos de las mujeres. Extendemos nuestras condolencias a su familia.

This article is available in English.

NEW REPORT ON COVID-19 AND DEMOCRACY CALLS FOR URGENT MEASURES BY GOVERNMENTS AND CIVIL SOCIETY

A new report, ‘Global Democracy and COVID-19: Upgrading International Support’, was published on 15 July and highlights how some governments are using the public health crisis to further curtail democratic activities and provides recommendations for policymakers and civil society to counteract the negative impacts of COVID-19 on democracy.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge to democracies. A new report identifies initiatives that governments and civil society need to take to rise to this challenge.

STOCKHOLM—Democracies around the world need to adopt new initiatives to ensure the lasting protection of democracy and civil liberties threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the midst of the extraordinary challenges and uncertainty stemming from COVID-19, decision-makers are under increasing pressure to determine how to manage the pandemic’s immediate impact on, and consequences for, the timing and sequencing of elections. These decisions cannot be taken lightly, as they could jeopardize public health and shape the state of democracy in their countries, states or territories for years to come.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this commentary are those of the authors, one of whom is a staff member of International IDEA. This commentary is independent of specific national or political interests. Views expressed do not necessarily represent the institutional position of International IDEA, its Board of Advisers or its Council of Member States.

Has the coronavirus, aside from having severe consequences for public health and the economy, also been detrimental for democracy? And if so, should we expect passing side effects or permanent damage? 

International IDEA’s Director of Global Programs Laura Thornton talks to Justin Wein, chief of staff of U.S. Congressman David Price about ways in which their office has adapted in the COVID-19 environment.