IFES and The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted a discussion featuring Luis Carlos Ugalde, the president of Mexico’s Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) on November 18 in Washington. Ugalde discussed IFE’s preparations for Mexico’s 2006 presidential election, its new strategy for ensuring transparent elections and voter requirements for Mexicans living abroad. "Elections will continue to be the foundation of political stability in Mexico,” said Ugalde. IFE plans to closely monitor campaign finance, regulate media access and enforce transparency measures. “IFE, under the leadership of Luis, has become an indispensable partner,” said IFES President Richard Soudriette. “They are providing technical election assistance all over the world and that is a testimony to the type of leadership they have."