Non-acceptance of unconstitutional change of government (UCG) has become a central African norm since 1995.
For decades, non-interference in state affairs characterized politics in the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and became a cornerstone of inter-African relations. Against this historical backdrop, it is remarkable that the obligation to reject UCG was incorporated into the 2002 Constitutive Act of the OAU’s successor, the African Union (AU).
Regional organizations have made significant progress in promoting democratic norms. In the Americas, the Inter-American Democratic Charter (IADC), enacted by the Organization of American States (OAS), is a clear manifestation of Member States' formal commitment to defend democratic principles and ideals.
Ethnic conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Kosovo erupted one after another following the break-up of Yugoslavia.
The severity of the unfolding crises, the likelihood of spillover in the region and the immediate danger the conflicts presented for neighbouring European Union member states induced the EU to become extensively involved in state building and conflict management in three countries.
This Discussion Paper analyses the constitution-building process that took place between 2008 and 2010 in Kenya, particularly the role and involvement of the African Union (AU), including its Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the AU Commission.
The 2001 Inter-American Democratic Charter (IADC) was the culmination of a series of efforts to consolidate democracy, and the result of responses and sanctions to address institutional breakdowns in the Americas. Its key feature is the ability to apply sanctions on states that violate democratic norms.
The presidential election in Colombia on 25 May had a surprising outcome. Even though opinion polls forecasted the need for a second round and picked up the stagnating level of support for President Juan Manuel Santos (who seeks a second consecutive term), as well as the recovery of Uribe’s successor, Oscar Ivan Zuluaga, the surprising fact was not Zuluaga’s win over Santos, but the difference between them: 29.25% vs. 25.69%, meaning almost 460,000 votes.
Las elecciones presidenciales colombianas del pasado 25 de mayo se saldaron con una sorpresa.
Democratic accountability for public service delivery is an important dimension of the post-2015 development agenda.
“The universal nature of democracy as something which people all over the world aspire to is clear from citizens’ own actions and demands for democracy.”
Some 32,975,158 registered electors voted at 89,391 polling stations on 25 May in Colombia to elect the President and Vicepresident for the 2014-18 term.
El pasado 25 de mayo se llevaron a cabo las elecciones presidenciales en Colombia para la elección de Presidente y Vice Presidente, correspondientes al periodo 2014-2018. Estaban convocados 32.975.158 de electores inscritos, distribuidos en 89.391 mesas de votación.
At a time when political party dialogue is considered the only way forward in many polarized contexts within the Arab world, International IDEA is hosting a workshop on 24–25 June on the role of political party dialogue in democratic consolidation to stimulate discussion and share best practice.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this commentary are those of the staff member. 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.
Politicians tied to a set of policies provide people with actual choices.
They attract like-minded activists, campaign in more focused ways, and build an attractive party label. Last but not least, they are more likely to succeed in public office.
Political parties in many countries are struggling to shift from personality-based or clientelistic-focused approaches—to more programme-based strategies as they reach out to voters.
What role does money play in European elections, and how is it regulated? Such questions need to be addressed to ensure the integrity of Europe's democratic processes, says IDEA’s Samuel Jones in an article published by openDemocracy on 20 May 2014.
By Shailaja Chandra, a former Secretary to the Government of India and former Chief Secretary, Delhi. The views expressed in this analysis are hers and should in no way be construed to represent those of International IDEA, its Board and/or Council members.
2.5 million Panamanians put an end to the ruling party’s attempt to remain in officeon 4 May 2014 and reasserted their faith in democracy and in alternation, when they cast their votes to elect the President, a Vice-President, 71 deputies, and the officials for many local and regional positions.
Los panameños pusieron fin a los intentos continuistas del partido en el poder y, el pasado 4 de mayo, reafirmaron su característica fe en la democracia y en la alternancia, cuando 2.5 millones acudieron a las urnas a elegir Presidente, Vicepresidente, 71 diputados y numerosos cargos locales y regionales.
On 15 May 2014, International IDEA hosted an event in New York entitled Advancing Genuine Political Participation: Strategies for Overcoming Exclusion for Marginalized Groups.
A political party that embraces a clear set of policies or programme to reach out to citizens is more likely to listen, reflect and address citizens’ views. How does such a programmatic party come about?
