As democracy faces pressure around the world and confidence in international law drops, a new global survey reveals that citizens in a vast majority of countries support the idea of creating a citizen-elected world parliament to deal with global issues. By Democracy Without Borders.
The survey, commissioned by Democracy Without Borders and conducted across 101 countries representing 90% of the world’s population, finds that 40% of respondents support the proposal, while only 27% are opposed. 33% selected a neutral stance. It is the largest poll ever carried out thus far on this subject.
Globally, 40% support the proposal, 27% are opposed and 33% are neutral
Support is strongest in countries of the Global South, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, and among groups often underrepresented in national political systems—young people, ethnic minorities, and those with lower income or education levels. In 85 out of 101 countries surveyed, more respondents support the idea than oppose it.
“The message is clear: people around the world are ready to expand democratic representation to the global scale,” said Andreas Bummel, Executive Director of Democracy Without Borders. “This survey shows there is a growing global constituency that wants a voice in decisions affecting humanity as a whole,” he added.
In 85 out of 101 countries, more respondents support the idea than oppose it
The findings come at a time when the international system is under increasing strain from climate change, war, geopolitical conflicts, authoritarian resurgence, and stalled global cooperation. The results suggest that many citizens—especially in less powerful countries—see a world parliament as a pathway to fairer and more effective global governance.
In countries with limited political freedoms, support for a world parliament is particularly high. According to Democracy Without Borders, this points to a public perception that global democratic institutions could help advance democracy at home as well.
A large share of neutral responses suggests unfamiliarity with the concept. An analysis of the survey results argues that this indicates a wide-open space for public engagement. If the idea gains visibility, support could grow substantially, it says.
“The international system created in the last century to prevent war and mass violence is built on the United Nations. But many UN member states do not represent their people. They represent oppressive authoritarian elites who have seized power. The proposed vision of a citizen-elected world parliament could be a vital step in the discussion about building a more democratic global order,” said Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Centre for Civil Liberties in Ukraine awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize.
According to the survey, net opposition found in individual countries is most concentrated in high-income democracies. “This is not a rejection of democracy. It is a reminder that privilege may breed complacency, and that those who benefit from existing arrangements may underestimate how urgently they need renewal,” commented George Papandreou, Greek Member of Parliament and former Prime Minister.
Those who benefit from the status quo may underestimate the need of renewal
“Whether it is climate change, economic justice or peace and security, the global issues we face require global democratic solutions. A world parliament is about dignity and equality on a global scale,” commented Ivone Soares, a Member of Parliament from Mozambique which, together with Türkiye, shows the strongest support in the survey.
“This survey shows yet again how much global public support there is for the idea of a world parliament”, said Farsan Ghassim, Assistant Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin. “Its country coverage and methodology are unique, offering much room for further exploration,” he noted. “The study adds to mounting evidence over the past few years that citizens worldwide prefer more democratic and stronger global governance, even in this age of nationalist and authoritarian parties and politicians winning elections”, the survey expert said.
Nudhara Yusuf, Co-Chair of Coalition for the UN We Need and the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference commented that “at a time of profound geopolitical change and uncertainty, this research underscores something fundamental, that people want their voices to matter. When institutions feel distant, under fire, or complicated in their own rights, public legitimacy and participation become more important than ever.”
The Executive Director of the Brazilian think tank Plataforma CIPÓ, Maiara Folly, noted the survey shows that “citizens across the Global South are at the forefront of calls for a democratic world parliament.” She added that the proposal aligns with Plataforma CIPÓ’s “vision of the need for more transparent, participatory, and results-oriented global governance—one in which citizens and those who represent them, including parliamentarians, play a stronger role, particularly in strengthening oversight and accelerating the implementation of internationally agreed commitments.”
“When citizens look at global politics today, what they mostly see is governments entreating, flattering, threatening, and coercing one another. Is this really the world they want? This new survey shows widespread global support for a more democratic and dialogical approach to addressing shared global challenges”, commented Mathias Koenig-Archibugi, Professor of Global Politics, London School of Economics.
Democracy Without Borders, an international civil society organization, advocates for the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly as a step toward a democratic world parliament. The organization says the survey results reinforce the urgency for democratic governments to consider this long-standing proposal.
A detailed survey report with data and interpretations is published here.
Original source: Democracy Without Borders
Image credit: Aotearoa, Wikimedia
