This dimension concerns the legal framework and the mechanisms in place to achieve gender parity in the composition of parliament, as well as the means to make progress towards this goal.

The legal framework should guarantee equal opportunities for the political participation of women, and an electoral environment that is free from barriers and violence.

This dimension concerns the legal provisions that support the representation of diverse political opinions in parliament. These provisions cover aspects such as the electoral system, the procedures for registering political parties and, if applicable, independent candidates, as well as electoral thresholds and the powers attributed to different political groups and, where applicable, independent MPs.

This dimension concerns the administration of elections by public authorities, which should be impartial, transparent and independent. Public Public All the members of a community in general, regardless of their citizenship status. authorities should observe their duty to remain neutral in the electoral process and guarantee the right of voters to freely form an opinion.

This dimension concerns the right of citizens to stand for election and to campaign on an equal basis with other candidates. This includes the freedom to reach out to voters and express political views, freedom of movement within a country to campaign, and access to the media.

This dimension concerns the provisions of the constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework that establish the basis for democratic elections.

The constitution establishes fundamental electoral principles such as the electoral system, universal suffrage, the frequency of elections and the use of secret ballots.

This dimension covers parliament’s capacity to reach all communities. Without a proactive effort from parliament, structural barriers are likely to limit some voices and inequalities can be widened. It is vital for parliament to promote participation from all communities. This might entail making strategic choices about whom to target, identifying the most effective ways of working with the target communities and investing resources in making parliament more accessible to all.

This dimension focuses on the engagement of CSOs in the work of parliament.

Having CSOs participate in parliamentary processes brings additional opinions and expertise into the discussion. CSO participation can contribute to more informed policymaking and has the potential to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable in society. It should therefore be encouraged in a thriving democracy. 

This dimension covers parliament’s responsibility to effectively make use of public input in its work. It is important for parliament to demonstrate that it has a functioning system in place for managing public input, i.e. for collecting and analysing proposals on legislative and/or oversight actions and for bringing these to the attention of MPs and parliamentary bodies. Having solicited public input, it is also important for parliament to provide members of the public with feedback on the results of their participation.

This dimension covers public participation in the budget cycle. The annual State budget represents public interests and priorities, which makes its preparation, approval and oversight one of parliament’s most important and critical responsibilities. While the mechanisms and processes for public participation in the budget cycle are similar to those for participation in law-making and oversight, budget transparency is especially significant because the allocation of public resources is a clear indication of government priorities. 

This dimension covers public participation in parliamentary oversight, the vital process by which parliament holds the executive to account on behalf of the public. Involving the public directly or indirectly in oversight can greatly enhance the quality of accountability. Oversight activities in the chamber(s), by committees and in electoral districts can provide a platform for informing, consulting and interacting with the public.