Palestine Democracy Index

The Palestine Democracy Index "was developed in 1996 after the first general political elections by a Palestinian team of scholars and researchers at the Center for Palestine Research and Studies (CPRS). In the four readings of the Democracy Index measuring the period 1996 to 1999, the status of Palestinian democracy deteriorated. But the change was limited and in fact, the fourth reading showed some limited improvement compared to the second and third readings. The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) is currently preparing the fifth reading which is scheduled to be released in the fall.

"The Palestine Democracy Index in 2003-04 aims to audit the status of Palestinian governance by quantitatively measuring the status of 50 empirical indicators relevant to democracy and good governance.

"The project seeks to establish a set of criteria by which to assess the extent of progress made in forming a democratic Palestinian socio-political system. An annual report is published documenting the status of democracy during the period under examination and comparing that period with previous ones. Based on the empirical results, policy options are drawn and recommendations made to promote movement toward a more democratic transition."

Funding: 32 000 USD from national endownment for democracy; remaining shared between the Ford Foundation and the Konrad Adeneur Foundation.

Contact

Dr. Khalil Shikaki- Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research

Faramand Center, Off Irsal Street

P.O.Box 76 Ramallah, West Bank

Palestine