The tools of modern direct democracy, such as the citizens’ initiative and referendum process, have spread over the world. In more than 100 countries globally citizens are today no longer limited to just electing representatives but are also involved in agenda-setting and decisiomaking on substantive issues. However, these instruments do not always work in a userfriendly and efficient way, nor are they always institutionalized in an integrated and balanced way in order to make representative democracy truly representative. For this reason, thinktanks, academic institutions, activist groups and professional organizations have teamed up to map the instruments at hand and develop global recommendations for well-designed direct-democratic tools.

Since 2008 the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy has established a unique quality network of activist professionals from governmental and non-governmental organizations with one common goal: bringing democracy forward! At the 2010 Global Forum in San Francisco, which took place last summer, more than 400 people from all continents met for five nights and five days to discuss more than 200 reform proposals. By using advanced polling technology, the most supported ideas and principles were compiled and then considered by a committee charged with expressing the consensus of this unique global gathering. The Forum agreed on three key values, which must be applied to direct democracy everywhere: transparency, open access, and deliberation.

Transparency: At every stage of each direct democratic action, and in every aspect of the initiative and referendum process, citizens have a right to know as much as possible about the people and money behind each measure, so long as individuals are protected against coercion and retribution for their votes and for their signatures.

Open access. Access to the process, especially the qualification of measures for ballots, should be based on measures of substantial popular support - and should not be dependent on money or on the sanction or approval of public officials or political parties or interest groups.Technology and other innovations should be fully incorporated into the process consistent with the values of expanding access and ensuring transparency.

Deliberation. A deliberative process that is driven by and managed by citizens themselves should be part of every direct democracy. We believe that the most important factors in deliberation are the ability to hear multiple views from all sides - and the time to consider each direct democratic measure fully.

Here is your guide to the 2010 Global Forum ressources:

- 2010 Global Forum Website

- San Francisco Declaration on Modern Direct Democracy

> SIGN THE SAN FRANCISCO DECLARATION ONLINE NOW!

- Official Forum Booklet (featuring speaker and partner information)

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