The Arab Reform Initiative has published the second edition of its annual report, The State of Reform in the Arab World – The Arab Democracy Index, charting the Arab world’s transition to democracy. The study, which covers ten Arab countries, measures forty indicators to gauge four major values and principles relevant to the democratization process: strong and accountable public institutions, respect for rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and equality and social justice. The selected indicators measure daily political, economic and social issues, and reflect the entire democratic decision-making process. Data gathered for the Arab Democracy Index cover three different dimensions: the legal aspect, public opinion, and practices of regimes. Measurement is therefore based on monitoring performance and behavior rather than just examining intentions and structures, since intentions may be good but performance poor.

The report relies on both quantitative and qualitative analysis, taking into consideration both impressions and patterns of behaviour, and measuring their impact on citizens’ daily lives. It revolves around the centrality of the notion of citizenship, instead of political authority, and thus takes limited steps towards the social and economic impact that changes in the country’s political system have on people’s lives.

The report finds that the region has the institutional means to transition to democratic governments but has not yet universally applied them into practice. Indeed, a large gap exists between the means and the practices of democratic transition. It states that genuine change requires transformation in three areas: (1) laws and an electoral process that integrate all sectors of society and eliminate discrimination; (2) the development of tax systems based on progressive taxation and a just distribution of wealth; (3) the development of an education system with firm moral and social foundations and based on the principles of pluralism and secularism.

Accordingly, the report states an urgent need in the Arab world to guarantee greater political and civil freedom, not only through more legislation but also by enhancing monitoring functions and the role of human rights organizations. Additionally, the study notes a pressing need to make the issues of social justice and social and economic rights the core of the reform process. This would need to happen while also reforming education by allocating bigger budgets, combating illiteracy, reducing the school drop-out rate, and improving the conditions of education, especially for females.

The report was spearheaded by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. It is built on the work of teams in all ten countries. The State of Reform in the Arab World – The Arab Democracy Index is being officially launched through workshops and press conferences in Paris (March 29), Beirut (April 1), and Dubai (April 5).

To View the Full Report as PDF (1.7 MB)