International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance International IDEA

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is the only global intergovernmental organization with the mission to support sustainable democracy worldwide as its sole mandate. Its vision is to be the primary global actor in sharing comparative knowledge and experience in support of democracy. International IDEA’s objectives are to support stronger democratic institutions and processes, and sustainable, effective and legitimate democracy.

International IDEA is an advocate for democracy as the political system of choice. Democracy – to be sustainable – needs to develop within societies. Democracy comes in multiple forms and these forms are in constant evolution. There is no single and universally applicable model of democracy and there is no end point in the process of improving democracy.

International IDEA takes an impartial and collaborative approach to democracy support. The critical choices are best made and the quality of democracy best gauged by the citizens themselves. International IDEA’s work reflects this by focusing on the citizen as the driver of change.

International IDEA emphasizes full and equal participation and representation of women and men; inclusiveness with regard to the many expressions of diversity in democracy; and the multiple interlinkages between democracy support, peace building, state building, development and the rule of law. It also helps to enhance the political will that is required for democratic reform.

International IDEA is a global organization. It has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and West Asia and North Africa. International IDEA is a Permanent Observer to the United Nations.