Federalism or devolution involves the organization of public power so that government, on at least two levels, is responsive and accountable to the people that it serves.
More than 25 countries around the world operate as a federation of some kind. Many more devolve power in other ways, either across the country or in particular regions with special autonomy.
This issue of Constitutional INSIGHTS deals with the questions presented by constitutional or legal arrangements that treat one region of a state differently from others.
Two secretarial officers from the Bhutanese Parliament underwent a vigorous two-week Fellowship Programme from 20-31 August 2018 at the state parliament of Tasmania, Australia. The Fellowship Programme was part of regular fellowship programme facilitated by International IDEA since 2014 as part of strengthening institutional capacity of the Parliament of Bhutan.
The Second Annual Summer School for Young Leaders from African Political Parties took place in Kigali, Rwanda, on 6–8 June 2018. The overall theme was ‘Youth participation in political processes: emerging trends of the negative aspects of money in politics’.
More than 30 students from Uppsala University visited International IDEA HQ on 9 October 2018 as part of their undergraduate course in ‘Development Policy in Practice.’ During their visit, the Electoral Processes Team organized a three-hour workshop focusing on the intersection between elections and development—and how this plays out in practice.
One of the most striking findings of International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy Indices is that the perceived level of corruption has not changed significantly across the world in the last ten years. In particular, the regional score of Eastern and post-Soviet Europe continues to remain below the global and European averages.
Brazil will go to the polls next Sunday, 7 october, to choose the next President of the country, together with the total renovation of the Chamber of Deputies, two thirds of the Federal Senate, State Deputies and Governors. See below the infographics to understand the Brazilian electoral process.
Brasil acudirá a las urnas el próximo domingo 7 de octubre para elegir al próximo Presidente del país, junto con la renovación total de la Cámara de Diputados, dos tercios del Senado Federal, los Diputados de Estado y los Gobernadores. Vea abajo las infografías para entender el proceso electoral brasileño.
This article is available in English.
The first Global Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean was held in the margins of the High-Level Segment of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 25-27 September 2018.
El primer Foro Global sobre América Latina y el Caribe, celebrado en los márgenes de la 73ª Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas en Nueva York del 25 al 27 de septiembre, reunió a los principales expertos y líderes de la región, incluidos ex jefes de estado y representantes gubernamentales, representantes de alto nivel de organizaciones regionales, universidades y think tanks para discutir y analizar el papel de América Latina y el Caribe en el escenario mundial.
The Office of International IDEA to the European Union celebrated the International Day of Democracy (15 September) by co-organizing a high-level conference on, ‘EU leadership for democracy’, at the European Parliament in Brussels on 18 September 2018.
International IDEA held the 7th High Level Meeting of the Inter-Regional Dialogue on Democracy (IRDD) on 27 September 2018, in the margins of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly, in New York City. The theme of the High Level Meeting was “Sustainable Democracy and SDG 16: Path towards achieving Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”.
Annika Silva-Leander, Head of the Democracy Assessment and Political Analysis unit at International IDEA was invited to present the most recent findings of the Global State of Democracy Indices data, funded by the Government of Sweden, at the opening seminar “Swedish aid in shrinking democratic spaces” of Stockholm Evaluation Week (SEW) at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
The United Nations has declared 21 September as the International Day of Peace. This year, the day will be marked with the motto “The Right to Peace - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70”.
Large-scale violent conflicts are devastating in many ways. They cause death, suffering, destruction of infrastructure and resource depletion. Somewhat less visible though, is how they tear apart the delicate social fabric within and between communities.
Significant progress has been made in democratizing politics and governance in Haiti during the past two decades. Several challenges however, including extreme poverty, wide economic inequalities, weak democratic institutions and a polarized political landscape remain. Opposition political parties and citizens often express their frustrations through protests, which regularly degenerate into violence.
Democracy is pivotal in the pursuit for peace. The global conflict-prevention agenda that the UN Secretary-General seems committed to revitalizing is largely based on this assumption.
International IDEA is supporting constitution building processes as an integral part of the democratic transition in Myanmar. By working with various state institutions, ethnic based organizations, political parties, civil society organizations and academia, International IDEA supports a more inclusive and well-informed debate on constitutional issues also to create a common understanding of federal and constitutional principles.
Looking at the news around the world today, one cannot help but wonder if peace is being taken for granted? While some of us are fortunate to enjoy peaceful lives, others live in conflict zones where livelihoods are endangered and families are threatened. Like democracy, peace has to be nurtured, promoted and protected.
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.
