Primary links

Secondary links

User links

Arab Democracy Index

Name of Organization: 
Arab Reform Initiatives
Geographical Scope: 
Regions:
Country:
Purpose: 
Can the Arab world, with all its complexities, specificities and fluctuating realities be subjected to quantitative assessment and represented in a set of indicators where numbers are supposed to inform on the state of its political, social and economic health?
 
Implicit in the approach are a number of values that the report seeks to promote, among which the belief in an Arab community with interest in democracy that perceives the Arab countries as a relevant space for debate over similar concerns and sees comparison and exchange as a useful exercise ; the need for Arab societies to press for access to information which is recognized as a right in open societies; the idea that assessing governments' performance over time and highlighting their achievements and shortcomings is a way of holding them accountable.
 
Numbers don't speak all the truth but their dryness triggers debate, causes public opinion to comment and governments to react by protesting and often by challenging such attempts coming from below to rate and rank them. In this regard, numbers can become a powerful tool for advancing democratic debate.
Website of initiative: 
http://arab-reform.net/spip.php?article1596
Publications: 

http://www.arab-reform.net/IMG/pdf/ARI-a4-ENGLISH.pdf

Source of Data: 
Using other existing sources of data
Type of Data Collection: 
Administrative Data
Random sample population survey
Measurement Methods / Tools Generated or Used : 
Data gathered for the Arab Democracy Index covers three different dimensions:
  1. constitutional or legal angle
  2. public opinion and  impressions
  3. actual behaviour patterns of regimes in power based on their performance on the ground and documented reports regarding the way central authorities exercise their power
 
Measurement is based, therefore, on monitoring performance and behaviour rather than just examining intentions and theoretical criteria, like legislation and rules.
List of Indicators: 
  1. Separation of powers
  2. Periodic and fair elections
  3. Limitations on the powers of the executive branch
  4. Right to form political parties
  5. Right of assembly
  6. Legal guarantees against torture
  7. Freedom of the media
  8. Independence of the judiciary
  9. Right to a fair trial
  10. Gender equality
  11. Hindrances to parliament’s work
  12. Government accountability
  13. Publication of draft laws
  14. Corruption in public institutions
  15. Obstructing enacting legislation
  16. Use of wasta (favoritism) in public employment
  17. Performance of public institutions
  18. Violation of the constitution
  19. Political and economic independence
  20. Political reform
  21. Ill-treatment of detainees
  22. Licensing political parties
  23. Right of Assembly and peaceful demonstrations
  24. Interference by the security services
  25. Opposition views in the local press
  26. Criticising the authorities
  27. Opposition newspapers and magazines
  28. Censorship of publications and the internet
  29. Demonstrations and protest activities
  30. Taking the administrative authorities to court.
  31. Arbitrary detention
  32. State security courts
  33. Ability of human rights organisations to operate
  34. Personal safety
  35. Social security
  36. Education School dropouts
  37. Women’s Participation in the labour force
  38. Equal wages
  39. Government expenditure on the social sectors compared to security
Main Users: 
Civil society
Media
Researchers

Footer links