WFD produces research that aims to build an evidence base for and improve the quality of democracy assistance. We also generate policy that contributes new tools for democracy support, as well as guides for parliaments, civil society and democracy support practitioners.
Browse our archive of resources below.
Discover women's paths to political leadership in Southeast Asia with our research
This research outlines what barriers women face in their pursuit of political leadership and profiles women who have broken through these barriers or have forged and democratised pathways to political power.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is losing up to €21,000 per person that leaves the country, according to the new WFD research. Figures from 2018 show that 44,700 people left the country and according to OECD data, the favourite destinations for people from Bosnia and Herzegovina are Germany (54%), Slovenia (26%), and Austria (9%).
12 June 2020 | Study
This paper reviews existing research on political trust, explaining why it is important, what we know about it, and – perhaps most importantly – what we don’t. It argues that if practitioners are to foster greater levels of political trust, research into that phenomenon needs to become more innovative.
27 May 2020 | Report
A new survey by WFD in Serbia shows a very high level of distrust among Serbian citizens in democratic processes in the country. 80% believe that voting at the elections can not change the situation in Serbia and 60% of the surveyed citizens do not trust any politician in the country. At the same time, more than 60% of respondents said they occasionally or more seriously consider leaving the country.
21 May 2020 | Report
This induction handbook for Senators was produced by the WFD Uzbekistan programme
18 March 2020 | Guide
Aan introduction to independent oversight institutions and their relationship with parliament.
02 March 2020 | Guide
The usage of information and communication technology by parliaments can enhance the transparency and accountability of institutions and legislative processes as well as provide anopportunity to engage citizens.
01 March 2020 | Report
Direct democracy is in danger of being taken over by the wealthy. A survey of 34 countries’ regulation of referenda shows that worldwide, regulation is minimal and open to abuse. Countries everywhere need urgent reforms of their institutions of direct democracy to ensure that it is not taken over by the wealthy.
01 March 2020 | Study
A global and country-specific analysis of parliaments’ relationships with Supreme Audit, Anti-Corruption, and Human Rights institutions
27 February 2020 | Study
WFD, in partnership with Joaquim Chissano Foundation and the Institute of Governance, Peace and Leadership, conducted a High-Level Policy Dialogue on democracy development in Mozambique in June 2019. This report summarises the presentation made by His Excellency President Joaquim Chissano during this dialogue. It also summarises presentations by various experts.
21 February 2020 | Report
As the involvement of parliaments in the ex–post stage of law making remains under-theorised, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy has just released a new publication, providing an analysis of the main rules, practices and trends on PLS in Europe, focusing on the experience of seven national parliaments: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
18 February 2020 | Study
This handbook for deputies was produced by the WFD Uzbekistan programme
03 February 2020 | Guide
This guide to parliamentary enquiries was produced by the WFD Uzbekistan programme
03 February 2020 | Guide
Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has partnered with the University of Birmingham on a new project that tracks the implementation of observers’ recommendations across five countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Preliminary analysis reveals significant variation in terms of which recommendations are implemented, as well as some surprising successes.
06 January 2020 | Study
This study identifies the opportunities for, progress made, obstacles to, and consensus on national policies and strategies for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Mozambique. It articulates ways forward for building an inclusive society and achieving social justice.
18 December 2019 | Report
A recent survey by WFD, Michigan State University (United States), Aarhus University (Denmark) and the Institute for Policy Interaction (Malawi) studied the costs of seeking and holding parliamentary office in Malawi. High costs of politics limits political representation, curtails competition, and spurs corruption. Although the importance of money in politics is well known among Malawian politicians, stakeholders, and political analysts the MCS is the first attempt to quantify and specify the costs of politics in Malawi.
26 November 2019 | Study
