International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy 2022 Report has been published. Report Editor and International IDEA's Head of Democracy Assessment, Seema Shah, provides an overview of the findings. Democracy is in decline around the world, undermined by problems ranging from restrictions on freedom of expression to distrust in the legitimacy of elections. This decline comes as elected leaders face unprecedented challenges from Russia’s war in Ukraine, cost of living crises, a looming global...

In our first episode of the new season of Peer-to-Peer, we speak with Sarah Birch and Jeff Fischer to learn more about the effect of wildfires on elections in California. The conversation is based on an International IDEA case study that focuses on the impact of wildfires on the 2016 and 2018 electoral cycles but also on the steps taken by election administrators to protecting elections. The discussion also centres on the increased vulnerability of the United States and its election cycles to...

This season, International IDEA will explore the effects of climate change in the form of extreme weather events, as well as other natural hazards, that cause both slow and rapid onset disasters, on the implementation of elections. Natural hazards can cause elections to be postponed, impact electoral operations, affect campaigns, and voter turnout. With evidence that climate change may cause extreme weather events to become more intense and common, election practitioners must begin to prepare...

Across Africa, civil society is using the courts to protect the environment from governments and companies. It is part of a wider campaign for climate justice in the continent that has brought together both elder and younger generations as well as social media. Lawyer and activist Lindlyn Moma has first-hand experience of the transformation happening on the ground. Guest: Lindlyn Moma, Human Rights Lawyer and Environmental Activist

Against a background of deteriorating informational environments, falling trust in state institutions and growing electoral result disputation, electoral processes and those who administer them are increasingly being placed under the microscope. Ensuring that the integrity of elections withstand such scrutiny and that voters remain informed and engaged falls largely to election trainers and educators, and it is their vital work that is the focus of the first series of Peer-to-Peer,...

Against a background of deteriorating informational environments, falling trust in state institutions and growing electoral result disputation, electoral processes and those who administer them are increasingly being placed under the microscope. Ensuring that the integrity of elections withstand such scrutiny and that voters remain informed and engaged falls largely to election trainers and educators, and it is their vital work that is the focus of the first series of Peer-to-Peer,...

Against a background of deteriorating informational environments, falling trust in state institutions and growing electoral result disputation, electoral processes and those who administer them are increasingly being placed under the microscope. Ensuring that the integrity of elections withstand such scrutiny and that voters remain informed and engaged falls largely to election trainers and educators, and it is their vital work that is the focus of the first series of Peer-to-Peer,...

Against a background of deteriorating informational environments, falling trust in state institutions and growing electoral result disputation, electoral processes and those who administer them are increasingly being placed under the microscope. Ensuring that the integrity of elections withstand such scrutiny and that voters remain informed and engaged falls largely to election trainers and educators, and it is their vital work that is the focus of the first series of Peer-to-Peer,...

Against a background of deteriorating informational environments, falling trust in state institutions and growing electoral result disputation, electoral processes and those who administer them are increasingly being placed under the microscope.  Ensuring that the integrity of elections withstand such scrutiny and that voters remain informed and engaged falls largely to election trainers and educators, and it is their vital work that is the focus of Peer-to-Peer, International IDEA’s new...

Gender inequalities and marginalisation of segments of societies remain a persistent challenge in democracy building across all regions of the world. What measures have been taken to promote gender equality in democracy building processes—on political participation and representation (political parties, parliaments, local government councils), constitution building, electoral processes? What are the pros and cons of gender quotas? What is the largest challenge to gender equality globally? The...

Climate change is the existential issue of our time. How will it affect how democracies function? Are democracies well placed to deal with the long term challenges presented by rising world temperatures? What will be the impact of climate change on...

Across the world, women face challenges to participate in politics, from confronting hate speech to internal party obstacles and lack of subsidized maternity leave. What are the best ways to increase women’s participation in elections and within party...

Similar to elections and other democratic processes, the global COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on international election observation. In this podcast we discuss the changing nature of international election observation during and beyond...

Mark McDowell, International IDEA's Country Director in Myanmar talks to Parvinder Singh, Senior Programme Manager - Elections at International IDEA Myanmar about his experience providing technical advice to the National Election Commission of Liberia...

International IDEA’s Director for Asia and the Pacific Leena Rikkila Tamang spoke with lawyer Janet Pang about Hong Kong’s innovative protest methods in times of COVID-19 and about preparations for the September legislative council elections. This...

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? In this podcast Dr Staffan I. Lindberg, the Director...

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. How have they conducted outreach, adjusted...