2012 IFES Photography Contest

January 05, 2012

IFES sponsors this annual contest to illustrate the many ways people around the world demonstrate a sense of civic responsibility . The contest seeks photographs of individuals taking part in elections or other activities that demonstrate the values of democratic governance and civic engagement.

Democracy Assistance, Elections, Governance, Civil Society, Civic Education

Post-Soviet Nations: After Two Decades, Disarray and Democracy as Youth Demand Change

December 21, 2011

One could argue that the reforms of the past 20 years in the post-Soviet space have led to the rise of a decisive, new, politically conscious generation of young leaders. I argue such a new generation has arisen in spite of reforms and, in some cases, as a reaction against them.

Youth and Elections, Governance

Vaclav Havel: A Champion of Democracy Dies

December 19, 2011

Those in support of democracy and human rights have lost a star with the passing of Vaclav Havel. The playwright, poet and dissident who rose to become the last president of Czechoslovakia and first president of the Czech Republic, died on Sunday, December 18, at the age of 75.

Democracy Assistance, Governance, Civil Society

Thomas Carothers Speaks on the Arab Spring at IFES

December 07, 2011

The Arab Spring has sparked a new dynamic in democracy support where the United States and Europe are no longer the only advisors, Carothers told IFES project leaders and guests Tuesday.

Democracy Assistance, Governance

IFES Deputy Director Moderates Ukraine Discussion

November 22, 2011

Gavin Weise, IFES Deputy Director for Europe and Asia, moderated a panel on domestic developments in Ukraine at "20 Years of Ukraine's Independence," an event held at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on November 15.

Election Law, Electoral Systems, Governance

Public and Political Outlook in Ukraine

October 27, 2011

Please join us for a discussion of IFES’ latest public opinion survey covering recent developments in Ukraine, including an in-depth look at the changes proposed in the new election law and how such developments are affecting the country’s democratic institutions.

Public Opinion, Governance, Election Law

Central Africa: The Role of Elections in Guaranteeing Human Rights

October 26, 2011

Good governance, elections and human rights go hand in hand and cannot be dealt with in isolation from each other.

Democracy Assistance, Electoral Systems, Governance

IFES Guinea Director, Board Member Give Recommendations to G20

September 23, 2011

IFES Country Director in Guinea Elizabeth Côté and Board Member Gérard Stoudman attended the Peace, Economic Development and Solidarity conference 8 September to 11 September in Yamassoukro, Côte d'Ivoire.

Governance, Democracy Assistance

Celebrating International Day of Democracy

September 15, 2011

IFES celebrates the power of the vote and the people around the world who are committed to building stronger democracies.

Democracy Assistance, Governance, Gender Issues, People with Disabilities

Stepping Stones for Democracy

September 14, 2011

Democracy benefits day to day life in many ways. Among others, it promotes equality, freedom of expression, and entrepreneurship. Watch this video to learn more about why democracy matters and what you can do to champion it. 

Democracy Assistance, Governance