International IDEA is governed by its Council of Member States. The organization is governed by its Statutes, the latest of which entered into force November 2008. Membership in International IDEA is open to governments which demonstrate, by example in their own state, their commitment to the rul… read moree of law, human rights, the basic principles of democratic pluralism and strengthening democracy. International IDEA produces comparative knowledge in its key areas of expertise: electoral processes, constitution-building, and political participation and representation, as well as on democracy as it relates to gender and conflict and security. International IDEA brings this knowledge to national and local actors who are working for democratic reform, and facilitates dialogue in support of democratic change.