Surveys

Recent international surveys indicate that many people support stronger democratic participation in global governance, including parliamentary representation at the United Nations.

Public opinion

Support outweighs opposition

Surveys differ in wording and scope. Some ask about a directly elected world parliament, others about a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly or an initial UN parliamentary network. Taken together, the results nonetheless suggest that the idea of democratic representation beyond the national level is not fringe. In many countries, and on global average, there is solid popular support.

40%support

40% support 33% neutral 27% oppose

In a survey commissioned by Democracy Without Borders, a relative global majority supported creating a citizen-elected world parliament to handle global issues.

Source

54%support

54% support 35% neutral or unsure 11% oppose

The Earth4All survey found majority support for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, described as a global parliament elected by citizens.

Source

60%support

60% support 18% other or unsure 22% oppose

A YouGov poll for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation found average majority support for a world parliament able to address global issues.

Source

62%favor

62% favor 21% other or no opinion 17% oppose

The Stimson Center survey found strong support for creating a UN Parliamentary Network to inform parliamentarians and obtain their feedback.

Source

Support outweighs opposition

Largest global survey to date

Majority support for a UNPA

Broad support for world law

Support for an initial step