The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance or International IDEA
was established to promote sustainable democracy worldwide. Membership is comprised of
states, with international non-governmental organisations as associate members. Under its
founding statutes, the Institute is mandated to engage in a wide variety of activities designed
to advance democracy and to improve the quality of democratic governance, nationally and
internationally.
The Institute promotes a long-term perspective on the building and consolidation of
democratic institutions and the fostering of a democratic culture.
The Institute works to improve electoral processes. It helps to develop and disseminate rules
and guidelines which promote transparency and accountability, professionalism, efficiency
and impartiality in the conduct of elections. In the fulfillment of these objectives, the
Institute develops global networks in the electoral sphere and organises seminars, workshops
and training on electoral management designed to disseminate best practice.
International IDEA seeks to strengthen national and local capacities to develop the full
range of instruments and institutions needed for democratic government. It provides
options on various forms of democratic institutions and processes rather than prescribing
any particular model. As part of this process, it facilitates dialogue between local actors and
publishes assessments on the prospects for democratic development in individual countries.
The Institute is a forum for exchange of ideas and experiences between scholars, policy
makers and practitioners involved in all aspects of democratic governance. It is a meeting
place for a broad spectrum of individuals and organisations involved in democracy
promotion and assistance. Through its programmes of research, information and outreach,
International IDEA aims to increase knowledge in the pursuit of democratic excellence.