As the coronavirus pandemic continues, democracies around the world are being forced to adapt. Legislatures are putting aside their usual processes to urgently approve support for citizens while also trying to maintain physical distancing. But balance is required: the need for rapid action shouldn’t mean democratic representation or government scrutiny are abandoned, and some jurisdictions are finding innovative ways to ensure they continue.
The Samara Centre's Democracy Monitor is an ongoing research series that examines the state of democracy in a state of emergency, tracking the ways in which political leaders and institutions are reacting to the crisis, and looking at how elected representatives are engaging with constituents during physical distancing.
Explore the full series below.
Help us track the ways in which democratic leaders and institutions are adapting to the pandemic by identifying, documenting, and sharing:
- Institutional adaptations resulting from the pandemic which you think are either beneficial or detrimental to democracy (at the federal, provincial/territorial, municipal level, or in other countries); and/or
- Communications you’ve received or engagement efforts you’ve seen from elected representatives at any level of government (like newsletters, online town halls, AMAs, etc.)
To report an adaptation, simply fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ZiBfiKrxeGJ7TLHXA
If you have any questions, please email Adelina Petit-Vouriot.