Melbourne Forum Partners

Constitution Transformation Network

ConTransNet comprises a group of scholars and associates at Melbourne Law School with shared interests in the evolution of both the theories and practices of constitutional government in the challenging conditions of the 21st century.

ConTransNet takes a global and contextual approach to all its work, developing and participating in networks across the world for this purpose.  It has a particular focus on constitutional experience in the broad and diverse regions of Asia and the Pacific.

ConTransNet offers:

  • Research into the theory and practice of constitutional transformation, generally and in particular cases;
  • Advice on aspects of constitutional transformation in particular polities on a public or confidential basis;
  • Development of connections between comparative scholars and practitioners across polities and regions;
  • Workshops and other events exploring the theory and practice of constitutional transformation; and
  • Teaching and seminars.

International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports democracy worldwide. The Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific works with governments, parliaments, public institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen the quality of democracy and create space for citizens to engage in democratic processes and constitutional reform efforts. It works to foster political dialogues that protect and restore democracy in a region that includes established and emerging democracies, states with single-party rule, and military dictatorships. International IDEA supports constitution-makers by providing knowledge and direct assistance on the processes through which constitutions are made and the design of the constitutional text.

The Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific works from Canberra, Australia and has offices in Bhutan and Nepal. The Myanmar Programme is run from outside Myanmar since the 2021 military coup.

The Programme for Constitution Building and the Rule of Law provides in-country assistance, convenes networks of constitution builders, develops knowledge resources and  on-request research, and supports mediation processes in conflict-to-peace transitions. It is based in The Hague in the Netherlands.

International IDEA hosts ConstitutionNet, the go-to hub for constitutional analysis, news and publications.