We’re delighted to announce that our first thematic module—on political integrity— is now open for public review! This module is one of the longest and most complex we’ll be including in the 2021 edition of the Global Data Barometer; we’ll be using it in both our expert survey and, in a modified form, our government survey. We welcome your review and feedback from now through 15th January 2021.
Why a GDB thematic module on political integrity? Data can be a powerful tool to identify whose interests shape how governance decisions are made and implemented. Within democratic political systems, this involves transparency of political party finance, information on the interests of political decision makers, information on lobbyists’ interventions, and information on public consultation processes in rule-making, as well as a robust access-to-information system that helps members of the public evaluate and hold to account those in power.
Our focus on political integrity data aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly its targets around rule of law (16.3); transparent, accountable institutions (16.6); responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making (16.7); and public access to information (16.10).
This module is being co-developed with the Open Government Partnership and Transparency International.
As you’ll see, the review document includes several components: an overview that explains how the political integrity module fits into the overall Global Data Barometer, a list of prospective indicators that chart the scope of our proposed data collection and measurement for the module, a short literature and data review that guided the indicator selection and design, and an appendix that breaks the theme’s prospective indicators down into a full set of prospective sub-questions.
We welcome your comments on any aspect. We’re also particularly keen for feedback in some specific areas:
- Is there something about an indicator or sub-question that doesn’t fit well with your country’s practices? (Please also tell us which country.)
- Can you identify specific ways the data this module generates can be useful in your country or region?
- Can you identify specific harms that generating this data might prompt in your country or region that we should be aware of?
- Are there studies or standards that we should be referencing that aren’t included yet?
- Have we made an error, or do you see that something critical is missing?
When commenting, we ask that you write from a position of mutual respect and generosity of spirit. If necessary, we will moderate comments.
Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.