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October - December 2016 Newsletter
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2016: The year of direct democracy?
Yves Leterme

A message from the Secretary-General

This year will be remembered as the year that put direct democracy back on the agenda. Two historic referendums made international headlines and have been prominent in public debate. These historic votes have cast renewed light on the benefits and drawbacks of direct democracy instruments. Using International IDEA data, recent research and testimonials from those with personal experience of referendums, we have reflected upon some of the basic concepts of direct democracy, to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of some of its instruments and to look into recent trends of direct democracy around the world. +READ MORE
The case for direct democracy
 
Direct democracy mechanisms reinforce the  principle of democratic self-governance, provide a check on the tendency of representatives to become disconnected from their electors, and can enhance the popular legitimacy underpinning political decisions.  +READ MORE
The case against direct democracy
 
While direct democracy initiatives do offer an important option for citizens to have a say on issues they consider to be important, the current mechanisms are riddled with problems that obstruct the very goals these initiatives seek to advance.  +READ MORE
A statistical look back at referendums
 
2016 has experienced a record number of popular direct democracy votes across the world. A total of 26 countries have held national referendums in 2016. This exceeds the record numbers seen in 1991 and 1992, when many popular votes were held after the Cold War.  +READ MORE
The instruments of direct democracy
 
Granting citizens a direct say in political decisions is often part of the political system in a country. It is crucial to make a clear distinctions between the mechanisms and procedures of direct democracy. The terminology used by the jurisdictions can vary to describe the instruments.  +READ MORE
Direct democracy experiences
The Thai experience
 
Thai people have only voted in a referendum on their constitution twice: the second was August 7 this year. I went to vote thinking that we, the academics, had done our best.  +READ MORE
The Swiss experience

For Swiss citizens, the experience of direct democracy is rather intense: typically four times a year, they are called to the polls to vote on a variety of political issues.  +READ MORE
Upcoming events
Dialogue to support Yemen's peace process 26 - 27 January - Tunis, Tunisia  
 
As part of an ongoing series. The dialogues aim to increase the likelihood that a settlement will be reached in the constitution-making process, which would thereby allow for the country’s stabilisation and possible improvement to its governance framework.  +READ MORE
Youth democracy curriculum launch
27 - 30 January - Tunis, Tunisia  
 
International IDEA is launching the first module of its 'Youth Democracy Curriculum', designed to bring the institute's 20+ years of experience and knowledge into an accessible format that encourages young people to explore their democracies.  +READ MORE
Featured publications
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook 

A detailed look at direct democracy tools, including definitions of how each instrument can be used to shape political decisions, with outlines of the steps most often involved in planning.  +READ MORE
Annual Review of Constitution-Building Processes: 2015
 
A retrospective account of constitutional transitions around the world, the issues that drive them, and their implications for national and international politics. This third edition covers events in 2015.  +READ MORE
A Framework for Developing Gender Policies for Political Parties
 
This framework outlines considerations for developing a party’s gender policy, and addresses areas essential for the advancement of women and promotion of gender equality within political parties.  +READ MORE
Risk Management in Elections
 
Election management bodies (EMBs) face numerous risks in organizing elections.The paper takes stock of existing electoral risk-management practices, based on the results of a global survey and case studies provided by EMBs.  +READ MORE
International IDEA in the news

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International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)
Strömsborg, SE-103 34 Stockholm, Sweden

Tel: +46 8 698 37 00 | www.idea.int
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