Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “representation of women” is as follows:

• There is gender parity in the composition of parliament.
• The legal framework guarantees the political participation of women and promotes the equal representation of women and men in parliament.
• Parliament has adopted legislative and other measures designed to increase women’s representation in parliament.
• Legislative and policy measures are taken to address and prevent violence against women in politics, both as candidates for election and while in office. 

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “representation of political diversity” is as follows:

• The design of the electoral system ensures that the allocation of parliamentary seats accurately reflects the proportion of votes received by political parties and candidates.
• The legal framework establishes clear and transparent procedures for registering political parties and candidates for elections, including reasonable eligibility criteria, consistent procedures and feasible deadlines.
• Where applicable, the legal framework sets a reasonable electoral threshold for parties and/or candidates to gain seats in parliament. 

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “role of public authorities in elections” is as follows:

• Public authorities observe their duty to remain neutral in the electoral process and guarantee the right of voters to freely form an opinion.
• An EMB is tasked with ensuring the proper conduct of the electoral process. The EMB operates according to clearly defined and publicly available rules, enjoys independence of decision-making and action. The EMB carries out its tasks impartially and transparently, and enjoys the trust and respect of the community.
• Information about the electoral process is widely available, including as part of civic education programmes. Public authorities ensure that voters are aware of electoral procedures and have access to candidate lists and information. Information is available in the languages that are widely used in the country.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “candidacy, party and campaign rights and responsibilities” is as follows:

• Every eligible citizen has the right to stand for election on an equal basis with other candidates.
• Individuals and groups have the right to join or form political parties in order to contest elections. Any exceptions to this right are non-discriminatory, consistent with international obligations, and clearly defined by law.
• The legal framework ensures that candidates have the right and the opportunity to freely express their opinions to the electorate, and to campaign on an equitable basis with other candidates and political parties.
• Every voter, candidate and political party has a right to appeal regarding alleged violations of political and electoral rights to a competent and independent body. 

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “voting and election rights” is as follows:

• The constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework establish fundamental electoral principles. The legal framework concerning elections is clear, consistent and unambiguous and in line with international electoral standards.
• Changes to electoral law are made in a timely manner and at least one year in advance of any elections.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “reaching out to all communities” is as follows:

• Parliament’s law-making and oversight activities are accessible to all members of the public regardless of their age, gender, location, physical ability or any other characteristic.
• Parliamentary consultations, including committee inquiries, are conducted in an accessible and inclusive way. Information about these engagement opportunities is made available in a timely manner and to a wide and diverse audience.
• The participation of women is institutionalized and mainstreamed throughout the work of parliament.
• Parliament provides targeted engagement opportunities for groups who may otherwise face barriers to engagement.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “engaging civil society organizations” is as follows:

• The procedures by which CSOs can participate in the work of parliament are set out in the legal framework and/or in rules of procedure.
• Parliament regularly invites a wide range of CSOs to contribute to the law-making process, oversight activities, parliamentary consultations and committee inquiries.
• Parliament makes particular efforts to engage with CSOs that help it to connect with hard-to-reach and historically marginalized groups. 

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “managing public input and providing feedback” is as follows:

• Parliament has a functioning system in place for processing public input and making it available to MPs in formats that allow them to see the main themes and to draw upon the public input in parliamentary work.
• Parliament has a functioning system in place for providing feedback to the public on the results of their participation.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “participation in the budget cycle” is as follows:

• The legal framework provides for members of the public to participate in the budget cycle.
• Mechanisms and processes are in place for public participation in all stages of the budget cycle (pre-budget statement, committee and plenary debate and approval, and in-year and ex-post budget oversight). There is guidance outlining how the public can participate in these mechanisms and processes.
• Participation processes are accessible and inclusive, insofar as they are announced in advance, enough time is allocated for deliberations, and they are arranged at a time and in a place convenient for a wide range of groups.
• The annual State budget is communicated to the public in plain, easy-to-understand language, enabling active engagement and effective contribution from citizens.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “participation in oversight” is as follows:

• The legal framework provides for opportunities for members of the public participate in parliamentary oversight activities.
• Mechanisms and processes are in place for public participation in oversight, with particular attention on participation in the work of parliamentary committees.
• Parliament draws upon the evidence provided by the public in its oversight actions.