9: Constitution-Building Processes

[Be recognized as] a trusted provider of comparative knowledge and options for constitution building and reform

Other Information:

A constitution establishes how a society wishes to be governed. However, a constitution does not in itself ensure that democracy is supported, although it can be designed to do so. The process of developing a new constitution is just as important as the content, particularly in a post-conflict country. In the aftermath of the people-led uprisings in the Arab world, constitution-building processes are set to play a fundamental role in embedding calls for participatory and inclusive democracy in legitimate and representative constitutions. Globally, constitution-building processes remain vital, both for democracy and for the rule of law. Demand for constitution-building knowledge, resources and support is therefore likely to increase during the 2012–17 strategy period. International IDEA is emerging as a trusted provider of comparative knowledge and options for constitution building and reform, in terms of both content and process, and has successfully facilitated in-country political dialogue among stakeholders on critical constitutional issues. IDEA’s constitutionbuilding work will have the twin aims of increased national capacity for inclusive constitution building and more effective constitution building within international and regional democracy assistance. During this strategy period, International IDEA shall endeavour to do the following:

Objective(s):

9.1: Constitution-Building and Reform Processes

9.2: Constitution Building

9.3: Constitutional Reform

9.4: Strategic & Institutional Approaches

Content