Four IFES Chiefs of Party (COP) appeared on the radio show "Where We Live" on Connecticut's WNPR. They spoke with the show's host John Dankosky about democracy around the world and what NGOs like IFES can do to support the democratic processes of different countries. The participants were Richard Chambers, COP in Lebanon; Elizabeth Cote, COP in Guinea; Sean Dunne, COP in Iraq; and Samia Mahgoub, COP in Burundi.

The COPs stressed that there is no blueprint for democracy. The traditions and cultures of each country must be respected and taken into consideration when creating and reforming electoral systems. All countries, however, can have electoral systems that meet international standards.

The COPs also gave insight into the current or recent elections in the countries they work in. Ms. Cote spoke about the upcoming elections on June 27. Ms. Mahgoub talked about the Burundian communal elections that took place on May 24 and how these will affect the legislative and presidential elections taking place in July. Mr. Chambers discussed the local elections that just took place in Lebanon and the changes to the electoral code that they are currently debating. Mr. Dunne gave an overview of the legislative election that took place in March.

The interview can be heard here: http://www.yourpublicmedia.org/content/wnpr/where-we-live-international-elections

The COPs are in Hartford, Connecticut for IFES' quarterly board meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, IFES will host two public events at Connecticut's Old State House. The first is a panel discussion on the role of media in elections. Mr. Chambers will participate in this panel. The second event is a panel discussion on the importance of including women in all aspects of the electoral process. Ms. Mahgoub will speak on this panel.

For more information on these public events, please visit: http://www.ifes.org/Events.aspx