Events



Building Integrity, Defining Fraud

May 30, 2012

Join IFES for a conversation about how electoral fraud is defined and how it differs from malpractice. Our speakers will share their field experiences and highlight the impact of fraud and malpractice on recent elections in the United States, Afghanistan, Philippines and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Election Management, Election Law

U.S. Helsinki Commission Briefing - Democratization in the Caucasus: Elections in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia

May 23, 2012

IFES Program Manager for the Caucasus and Central Asia Anthony Bowyer will speak before the U.S. Helsinki Commission on recent and upcoming elections in the Caucasus region.

Elections, Democracy Assistance

Armenia's May 6 Elections: Progress and Perspectives

May 22, 2012

Armenia's May 6 parliamentary elections marked an important step in the country's democratic development. Please join the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for a discussion with election experts who witnessed the vote in Armenia.

Election Management, Election Law

U.S. Helsinki Commission Hearing - Ukraine's Upcoming Elections: A Pivotal Moment

May 17, 2012

IFES Deputy Director for Europe and Asia Gavin Weise will speak before the U.S. Helsinki Commission on the October parliamentary elections in Ukraine.

Elections, Democracy Assistance

Democracy with a Dividend: Uniting Democracy and Development

May 02, 2012

In 2011, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah told a gathering of democracy and governance (D&G) officers that the U.S. cannot "tackle development issues without getting to democratic issues" and announced that for every Presidential Initiative there would now be a second track of funding that would constitute a "formal funding channel for democracy programs."

Governance

Election Violence as a Development Problem: Why elections don't 'cause' violence and what NGOs can do

April 30, 2012

During the immediate pre- and post-election periods, existing political conflicts may erupt into violence, seemingly without warning.

Electoral Violence

Plenary Session - What should replace the MDGs?

April 30, 2012

In 2015, the first round of the MDGs will be complete. How successful the MDGs have been in driving development and whether they will be "met", by whom and what it means to meet them is a subject of vigorous debate; that debate must be coupled with a critical evaluation of how the MDGs might be framed for the future and what the MDGs in a 2015 to 2030 frame might mean for the world.

Kosovo 2011-2012 Political Reforms

April 26, 2012

Please join IFES for a conversation about Kosovo’s electoral and constitutional reform with Hon. Judge John Tunheim and others who worked alongside Kosovo’s local and international counterparts.

Election Law, Constitutional Law

Film Screening: Bhutto, with Director Duane Baughman

April 18, 2012

On April 18, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) will host a screening of Bhutto, director Duane Baughman's acclaimed documentary depicting the life and career of Benazir Bhutto.

Gender Issues

Kenya Elections: Building a Peaceful, Credible Political Process

April 18, 2012

Kenya's next presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on March 4, 2013. The planning process will come under intense scrutiny, as it will be the first general election under a new constitution.

Electoral Violence, Elections

Mitigating Electoral Violence: Gender Analysis, Technology and Proactive Election Management

April 16, 2012

Electoral violence is a persistent threat around the world. It delegitimizes and negatively impacts access to the electoral process for voters and candidates

Electoral Violence

Opening Doors: Electoral Participation of Persons with Disabilities

March 29, 2012

Eleven advocates from Down Syndrome Ireland, an organization of people with Down syndrome and their families, shared their experiences with elections and the political process on March 29 at IFES. Patrick Clarke, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland, and IFES Regional Director for Europe and Asia Chad Vickery joined in the conversation.

People with Disabilities

Season of Change? Russia's Recent Elections and Their Effect on Democracy in Eurasia

March 22, 2012

As countries in Eurasia head toward key elections in 2012, many are wondering how the recent vote in Russia — which involved thousands of local observers and a disparate opposition refusing to accept the election's legitimacy — will impact its neighbors

Elections, Governance

At a Crossroads: Mexico’s Pivotal Election

March 12, 2012

In what promises to be one of the most closely watched elections in the western hemisphere, Mexicans will go to the polls on July 1 to elect a new president and representatives to the federal legislature.

Elections

After Elections: Next Steps in Yemen's Transition

March 06, 2012

Yemen’s February 21 presidential election resulted in the end of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 32-year rule.

Civil Society

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

Elections Worth Dying For?: Maintaining the Peace During Elections in Africa

December 09, 2011

Used as a political tool before, during and after elections, violence threatens the franchise and civil rights of all citizens. To mitigate this practice, it is important to understand its roots and address the issue at all levels.

Electoral Violence, Civil Society, Gender Issues, Youth and Elections

2011 Joe C. Baxter Award Reception

December 08, 2011

The 2011 Joe C. Baxter Award will be presented Dec. 8, 2011, to Delia Ferreira Rubio.

Political Finance, Democracy Assistance

After the Arab Spring: Challenges for Credible Elections

December 07, 2011

IFES will host a panel discussion on the challenges Arab Spring countries face in holding free and fair elections and ensuring an effective transition to democracy.

Election Law, Electoral Systems, Civil Society

PHOTO EXHIBIT - Sudan: Conflict, Crisis and Democracy

December 05, 2011

An exhibition of 15 photos that focus on milestones along Sudan’s path to democracy.

Elections, Post-conflict

Engaging Future Voters

December 02, 2011

The conversation will begin with a brief presentation on IFES’ youth initiatives in the Philippines and Afghanistan. Participants from attending organizations will then be invited to share their own experiences working with young people and increasing their participation in democratic processes.

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

IFES Alumni Network Launch and a Conversation with Judge Johann Kriegler

September 14, 2011

IFES depends on a global network of experts to fulfill its mission of helping citizens around the world have a say in the way they are governed.

Elections

Transition in Tunisia: Analysis of the National Constituent Assembly Elections

September 07, 2011

The country that ignited the Arab Spring will hold its National Constituent Assembly (NCA) elections on October 23.

Elections, Voter Registration, Political Parties

Transforming and Advancing Disability Civil Society through Knowledge Dissemination, Organizational Development, and Legal Mechanisms

August 12, 2011

Chad Vickery, IFES Regional Director for Europe and Asia, will present at a workshop on promoting the rights of persons with disabilities during InterAction’s 2011 Forum.

People with Disabilities

Women in the Middle East: Attitudes and Advocacy in an Opening Political Space

August 12, 2011

Rola Abdul-Latif, IFES Senior Research Specialist, and Vasu Mohan, IFES Deputy Director for Europe and Asia, will present at a workshop on women in the Middle East during InterAction’s 2011 Forum.

Gender Issues

Assessing Pakistan’s Founding Promise

July 21, 2011

Join us for a conversation featuring Washington Post foreign correspondent Pamela Constable and IFES President & CEO Bill Sweeney on Constable’s latest book, PLAYING WITH FIRE: Pakistan at War with Itself, the people of Pakistan and where the nuclear-armed nation stands on its founding mission to be a Muslim democracy.

Governance, Civil Society

IFES President & CEO to Address National Association of Secretaries of State

July 13, 2011

Bill Sweeney, IFES President and CEO, will speak about global trends in democracy and elections at the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS)’s 2011 Summer Conference.

Youth and Politics: Long-term Relationship or Spring Fling?

June 24, 2011

Approximately half of the world’s population is 25 or younger. This demographic has produced astounding political and social change, often with the galvanizing aid of social media and art forms such as music and film.

A Conversation with General Lamine Cissé

June 09, 2011

As Africa continues to move away from military and dictatorial rule, also known as “the strong man syndrome,” electoral competition in the various African countries will continue to present serious challenges, including violence.

Elections

Dirty Money in Politics: How El Padrino’s Contributions Affect Security in Latin America

June 02, 2011

Lack of security is one of the most serious problems facing Latin America. Experts and pundits have assessed the issue and recommended many ways of improving safety in the region.

Rule of Law, Governance, Political Finance

Elections and Security: The Effect of Guatemala’s 2011 Polls

April 14, 2011

As Guatemala prepares to hold national elections in September 2011, public safety and security are some of the most important issues to the electorate. How will these polls affect security and governance in Guatemala? How will the change of administration affect Guatemala’s neighbors and the region in general?

Elections, Governance, Democracy Assistance

Duality by Design: The Iranian Electoral System

March 29, 2011

The poignant images of the protests following Iran's June 2009 presidential election unleashed an ocean of media and expert discourse on democracy in Iran. Yet, missing from the debate was a clear understanding of Iran's electoral system.

Democracy Assistance, Elections, Electoral Systems

2011 IFES Photography Contest

January 11, 2011

Since 2009, IFES has sponsored this contest to illustrate the many ways people around the world demonstrate a sense of civic responsibility and call to action. 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

Symposium on Electoral Legislation in Armenia

November 22, 2010

IFES is co-hosting a symposium on electoral reform and elections administration in Armenia from November 22nd and 23rd in Yerevan. The symposium will address Armenia’s current draft electoral code legislation and provide regional and international perspective to Armenia’s overall electoral development.

Election Procedures, Electoral Systems, Civil Society, Public Opinion, Democracy Assistance

2010 Joe C. Baxter Award Ceremony

November 01, 2010

Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, chairman of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, received IFES’ 2010 Joe C. Baxter Award at a ceremony in Washington, DC on November 1. The Chairman was chosen as this year’s honoree for his invaluable contributions to democracy in Ghana, Africa and the world.

Democracy Assistance, Elections, Civil Society, Civic Education

IFES 2010 U.S. Election Program

November 01, 2010

On Tuesday, 2 November, voters in the United States will elect members of the 112th United States Congress, including all members of the United States House of Representatives and almost one-third of the United States Senate.

Democracy Assistance, Elections, Election Procedures, Election Management, Electoral Systems

Comparative Perspectives on Election Processes in the OSCE Area

October 29, 2010

IFES co-hosted a conference in Washington, D.C. with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly on comparative electoral processes in OSCE presence countries. The event was held on October 29 for more than two dozen members of the OSCE’s Parliamentary Assembly and featured remarks and discussion from distinguished guests including Anders B. Johnsson, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Justice Paul H. Anderson, Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, John Hardin Young, and the Honorable Ellen Weintraub, Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Election Commission.

Election Procedures, Electoral Systems, Election Management, Elections

"POST-ORANGE" UKRAINE

October 28, 2010

Six months into President Yanukovych’s administration and the end of Orange leadership in Ukraine, IFES’ 18th public opinion poll in Ukraine finds that Ukrainians generally remain dissatisfied with socio-economic conditions, even if there is slightly greater optimism about the direction in which the country is headed.

Public Opinion

Egyptian Diplomats Visit IFES

October 14, 2010

A delegation of 21 junior Egyptian diplomats visited IFES on the morning of Thursday, October 14, as part of a tour of the United States prior to being dispatched to posts in diplomatic missions around the world.

Electoral Systems, Civic Education

Direct Democracy: Progress and Pitfalls of Election Technology

September 30, 2010

As democracies around the world increasingly utilize technology in their electoral processes, a key question, for electoral practitioners and election management bodies is how best to preserve the basic principles of the electoral process such as transparency and accessibility while benefitting from the efficiencies that technology brings to the process. IFES’ newest publication, Direct Democracy: Progress and Pitfalls of Election Technology, uses case studies and expert analysis to address this issue and provides recommendations on the deliberative use of appropriate technologies in the electoral process.

Voting Technology, Democracy Assistance, Elections, Election Procedures, Election Management

Promoting Political Reform in Lebanon: Opportunities and Challenges

September 29, 2010

Over the past fifteen months, Lebanon has held two critical elections and many view electoral and other political reforms as critical to managing Lebanon’s complex sectarian diversity. In this event, co-sponsored with the U.S. Institute of Peace, Lebanese Interior Minister Ziad Baroud will discuss the pursuit of political reform in Lebanon from his unique vantage point as a former civil society activist who was subsequently appointed as Interior Minister.

Elections, Democracy Assistance, Gender Issues, Election Procedures, Election Management

IFES 2010 Democracy Awards Dinner

September 28, 2010

IFES recognizes that the work of empowering people transcends political parties and national borders. To emphasize this belief, we award three individuals each year, one Republican, one Democrat and a member of the international community with IFES’ Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award.

Civil Society, Democracy Assistance, Elections

What's Next? Prospects for Iraq’s Democratic Future

September 20, 2010

Are Iraq’s democratic institutions strong enough to withstand and resolve the sectarian differences plaguing the country? How will Iraq’s neighbors affect its political formation? Join us for a lively and insightful discussion regarding Iraq’s government formation in light of recent parliamentary elections, the subsequent political jockeying and the US withdrawal.

Governance, Elections, Election Procedures, Election Management, Electoral Systems

Electoral System Design: Issues and Trends

July 22, 2010

Professor Benjamin Reilly, a leading expert on electoral systems, gave a talk at IFES on July 22, 2010 on the evolution and recent trends of electoral system design. During his presentation Dr. Reilly, director of the Centre for Democratic Institutions and professor of political science at the Australian National University in Canberra, gave an overview of the different electoral systems that have emerged over the past decade.

Electoral Systems, Election Procedures, Election Management, Elections

2010 Summer Democracy Camps in Kyrgyzstan

July 19, 2010

The first in a series IFES-sponsored Democracy Camps in Kyrgyzstan began on July 19, 2010. The first camp in this annual series will run from July 19 to July 28 and include student participants representing ninth- and tenth-grades from Bishkek city, Talas oblast and Chuy oblast. The camp is being held in Besh-Kungey, a popular camping retreat on the outskirts of Bishkek. Three additional camp sessions will be held in different parts of the country throughout the rest of the summer.

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

2010 Democracy Awards Breakfast

July 14, 2010

On Wednesday, July 14, 2010 IFES hosted a breakfast to begin the countdown to IFES’ 2010 Democracy Awards Dinner, scheduled for September 28. The morning meeting brought together top supporters of the democracy promotion movement in Washington, DC to discuss why the Democracy Awards are given and what IFES believes are the most effective ways of expanding democracy worldwide.

Democracy Assistance, Civil Society, Elections

IFES Hosts Visting Afghan Professionals

July 08, 2010

On Thursday, July 8th, IFES hosted a group of Afghan professionals visiting the United States on a program sponsored by the Department of State's International Visitors Program that was arranged by Meridian International Center.

Civic Education, Gender Issues

Broadcast, Print and Electronic News Media: Informing an Electorate

June 08, 2010

Open and convenient access to information empowers people to participate more fully in a system of self-government. This panel presentation will explore efforts by new and traditional media to improve the availability and flow of credible information on the electoral process to people who depend on that news to understand their role and how to engage in a democracy.

Governance, Election Procedures, Democracy Assistance

Empowering Women in the Political Process

June 08, 2010

Women are underrepresented in most political systems both as leaders and voters. This panel presentation will profile efforts in the United States and internationally to promote a greater awareness of obstacles and initiatives to increase the participation of women in the democratic process and discuss programs that contribute to greater gender equality.

Gender Issues, Civil Society, Elections, Democracy Assistance, Civic Education

IFES Chairman Peter Kelly is Celebrated in a Tribute in His Honor

June 08, 2010

Peter Kelly, chairman of IFES’ Board of Directors, was honored in a tribute on June 8, 2010 in Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Kelly was celebrated for his lifetime’s dedication to supporting many of Connecticut’s fundamental institutions—including Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Connecticut Public Radio—and other organizations in the United States and the world with his time and vision, as well as for engaging in many philanthropic missions.

Promoting Women’s Political Participation in South Asia: Afghanistan, Nepal and India

June 02, 2010

On 2 June 2010, IFES chaired a panel discussion at InterAction's 2010 annual Forum titled "Promoting Women’s Political Participation in South Asia." Empowerment, be it economic, social, or political, is key to improving the status of women. Increased active participation in the public sphere and political life complements economic sufficiency and enables women to gain full citizenship. South Asia provides a fertile source of experiences in this area and offers relevant learning that can benefit gender programming in other regions.

Gender Issues, Democracy Assistance, Civil Society, Civic Education, Education

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Discusses Democracy in Liberia

May 26, 2010

On May 26, 2010, IFES hosted a roundtable discussion with the President of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the consolidation of democracy in Liberia and the establishment of a credible and sustainable system of elections. The participants also discussed democracy in Africa and how the international donor community can help the continent continue on its democratization path. Peter Kelly, chairman of the IFES Board of Directors, gave the opening remarks at the meeting that brought together election and democracy experts in the DC area. They gathered at the Ritz-Carlton in the West End. Liberia’s next elections will be held in 2011.

Democracy Assistance, Electoral Systems, Election Procedures, Governance, Rule of Law

Spring Cleaning: Kyrgyzstan’s Latest Political Transition – Prospects, Permutations and Policy Priorities

May 18, 2010

For the second time in five years, Kyrgyzstan has experienced a violent political transition. What are the differences between the “Tulip Revolution” of 2005 and the events of April 7, 2010? Is this democracy’s last chance in Kyrgyzstan or in Central Asia in general, and what do the events say about past and future U.S. policy priorities and options?Please join us for expert insight into Kyrgyzstan’s democratization at IFES—the world’s premiere election-assistance and democracy promotion NGO. IFES has been working in Kyrgyzstan since 1993.

Post-conflict, Election Disputes, Democracy Assistance, Elections, Civil Society

14 Georgian Political Parties Sign Document Acknowledging Fair Elections

May 07, 2010

At a public event on May 7, 2010 in Tbilisi, Georgia, 14 political parties signed a Memorandum of Use of Administrative Resources, acknowledging the importance of free and fair elections and the fact that state resources of any kind should only be used in ways that equally benefit all election participants.

Civil Society, Democracy Assistance, Elections, Governance, Political Parties

U.S. Embassy Foreign Observer Training

April 28, 2010

On April 28, 2010, the United States Embassy hosted a comprehensive foreign observer training in preparation for the upcoming Philippine local and national elections. The session was designed to inform foreign observers of Election Day procedures, and familiarize them with the rules and regulations of Election Day.


Election Observation, Civil Society, Elections

U.S. Embassy Foreign Observer Training

April 28, 2010

On April 28, 2010, the United States Embassy in Manila hosted a comprehensive foreign observer training in preparation for the upcoming Philippine local and national elections. The session was designed to inform foreign observers of Election Day procedures, and familiarize them with the rules and regulations of Election Day.


Civil Society, Elections, Public Opinion, Political Parties

BRIDGE Training at Georgetown University

March 26, 2010


IFES and the Georgetown University M.A. Program in Democracy & Governance are hosting a two-day BRIDGE training on March 25 and 26. BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections) is a comprehensive professional development course designed by and for election administrators to better understand the electoral process.


Education, Elections, Governance, Democracy Assistance, Election Procedures

First BRIDGE Training in Burundi

March 22, 2010

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the Burundian Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) partnered to hold Burundi's first BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections) training high in the hills of Ngozi, from March 3 – 6, 2010. Bringing together 25 participants from the CENI's national and provincial bureaus, many of whom were newly appointed 6 months ago, the workshop focused on providing the administrators with the necessary tools and skills to organize key operational elements of the upcoming rounds of elections.

Democracy Assistance, Civic Education, Civil Society

Effective Political Party Assistance

March 15, 2010

Dr. Magnus Ohman, IFES senior political finance advisor, participated in Wilton Park's conference Delivering Effective Political Party Assistance.

Democracy Assistance, Political Parties, Political Finance, Civil Society

Full of 'Firsts' in the DRC

February 22, 2010

The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and IFES-DRC relaunched their long-standing partnership during a vibrant BRIDGE course offered in Kinshasa from February 22-24.

Civil Society, Civic Education, Democracy Assistance

Citizens CARE: Third Election Security Summit

February 09, 2010


Citizens CARE, with funding from the Canadian Embassy, brought together stakeholders at the Third Election Security Summit at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City on February 9, 2010.  The summit was Citizens CARE’s contribution to help raise the public’s awareness on issues concerning the automation of the May 2010 elections.


Civil Society, Elections, Public Opinion, Political Parties

IFES Participates in Middle East Advocacy Summit

January 26, 2010

In the Fall of 2009, the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) hosted a series of conferences with young Arab and American leaders in Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon.

Civil Society, Democracy Assistance, Election Procedures, Elections, Governance

IFES Experts Present Results of Ukraine Survey at the Kennan Institute

January 17, 2010

In anticipation of the January 17, 2010 Ukrainian presidential election, Rakesh Sharma, director of IFES’ F. Clifton White Applied Research Center, and Gavin Weise, IFES deputy director for Europe and Asia, presented the findings of IFES’ 18th survey on Ukrainian political attitudes at the Kennan Institute.

Public Opinion, Elections, Governance, Democracy Assistance, Election Procedures

Afghanistan Electoral Complaints Commissioners and UN Desk Officer Reflect on the 2009 Election

January 08, 2010


Grant Kippen, chairman of the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) in Afghanistan, and Scott Worden, a fellow ECC commissioner, spoke at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on Friday, January, 8. The ECC, comprised of Afghan and international commissioners, was responsible for ruling on electoral fraud in the 2009 contest, and ultimately invalidated more than 1 million presidential ballots.


 

Elections

IFES Open House taking place on Thursday, November 19

November 19, 2009

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is hosting an open house reception on November 19 to celebrate its new headquarters and reconnect with colleagues and friends. During this event, IFES will announce the winner of the 2009 Joe C. Baxter award, which pays tribute to professionals whose work epitomizes the mission of IFES—to promote citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in political life and civil society.

IFES Co-Hosting Capitol Hill Event on Politics in Lebanon

November 17, 2009

On Tuesday, November 17, IFES and the United States Institute for Peace will host an event entitled Lebanon's New Government: Toward Greater Consensus or Stalemate? Richard Chambers, IFES chief of party in Lebanon, will be joined by Mona Yacoubian, director of USIP's Lebanon Working Group, and Perry Cammack, Democratic professional staff member with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The panelists will discuss the new Lebanese government recently announced after more than 5 months of political stalemate since the June elections. This discussion will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2255. RSVP by November 13 to lebanonbriefing.eventbrite.com.

Governance, Democracy Assistance

The Democracy Agenda and Crisis of Communism

November 17, 2009

IFES and the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America will host a panel discussion Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

Democracy Assistance, Governance, Rule of Law, Public Opinion

IFES Country Directors and Elections Specialists in DC for a Week-long Conference

November 15, 2009

Starting Sunday, November 15, more than two dozen IFES Country Directors and Elections Specialists from around the world will be in DC to partake in a week-long retreat. The event will give the DC staff and those based abroad a chance to interact in person and reconnect. A number of seminars will be held on a variety of topics related to election work to boost the already impressive skills of the IFES team. A number of special events will take place during this week including the presentation of a new IFES book Political Finance Regulation: The Global Experience, an event on Capitol Hill hosted in partnership with the United States Institute for Peace during which IFES' Chief of Party in Lebanon will speak about the role of elections in Lebanon’s political stability, and an open house held at IFES' headquarters to celebrate the new office space.

Political Finance, Governance

Towards a Global Framework for Managing and Mitigating Elections-related Conflict and Violence

October 28, 2009

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) hosted a three-day workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa to explore the possible ways of mitigating elections-related conflict and violence. The conference, held from October 28-30, brought together experts on election-related violence from around the world to exchange ideas and come up with a global framework to address this issue.

Legal Framework, Governance, Election Disputes, Post-conflict

Forum for the Future of Democracy

October 21, 2009

Bill Sweeney, IFES President & CEO, attended the Council of Europe's "Forum for the Future of Democracy" being held in Ukraine from October 21-23. The conference is entitled Electoral Systems: Strengthening Democracy in the 21st century.

Election Procedures, Electoral Systems, Civil Society, Public Opinion, Democracy Assistance

Election Observation Training for the African Union in Nairobi

September 17, 2009

As part of its program of support to the African Union’s Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU), IFES, together with its partners the Carter Center and the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA), organized an election observation training in Nairobi, Kenya that took place from September 17 - 18.

Election Observation, Civil Society, Democracy Assistance, Elections, Governance

Judicial Protection of Electoral Rights

September 03, 2009

From September 3-5, Bill Sweeney, IFES President and CEO, and other IFES staff participated in the annual gathering of the Association of European Election Officials which took place in Yerevan, Armenia.

Rule of Law, Legal Framework, Election Law, Election Disputes

2010 Automation of the Philippines National and Local Elections

June 25, 2009

COP Beverly Hagerdon Thakur will brief attendees on the approaching concurrent presidential, national and local elections slated to take place May 2010 and the unique challenge it presents to democracy in the Philippines and its electoral process.

Civil Society, Election Procedures, Democracy Assistance

IFES Organizes Conference on Electoral Environment for Palestinian Media

June 10, 2009

On June 10 and 11 in Ramallah, West Bank, members of the local news media and elections specialists gathered to discuss electoral developments in the West Bank. The aim of the workshop was to help the local media better understand the system to improve coverage of the elections and help them better fulfill their role of informing citizens on the system, candidates and voting rights.

Elections

Voter Registration Modernization: A Case Study of the Canadian System of Voter Registration

June 04, 2009

American electoral officials and policymakers met with their Canadian counterparts in Toronto as part of an effort to modernize the U.S. voter registration system and address some of its shortfalls during a two-day conference earlier this month.

Voter Registration, Elections

2009 IFES Photography Contest

March 12, 2009

IFES is now accepting submissions for its 2009 photography contest. Deadline for entry is March 12, 2009 at 5:00pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Democracy Assistance, Civil Society, Civic Education

Conference on Campaign Finance

January 22, 2009

IFES and the Carter Center hosted a groundbreaking two-day conference on international campaign finance observation. The event, the first of its kind, was attended by more than 20 top scholars and practitioners in the field of political finance in the world.

Political Finance, Public Funding, Financial Disclosure, Elections, Political Parties

Democracy and Political Freedom

December 10, 2008

IFES hosted a symposium with Georgetown’s Democracy & Governance Program regarding setbacks to democracy and challenges to political freedom. Executive Vice-President, Carina Perelli, spoke along with other guests at the National Press Club,

Democracy Assistance, Governance

Towards a Successful 2009 Afghanistan Presidential Election

December 02, 2008

Chief of Party for Afghanistan, Charles Lasham, leads two breakout sessions regarding building legitimacy and capacity of the Independent Election Commission and additional electoral institutions.

Elections, Democracy Assistance, Civil Society, Governance

Election Technology Exhibition

November 17, 2008

IFES is pleased to announce the holding of the Election Technology Conference and Vendor Exhibition from November 17-19, 2008 in Manila, Philippines.

Civil Society, Governance, Election Management, Voting Technology

IFES 2008 U.S. Election Program

November 03, 2008


IFES hosted top election officials representing more than 40 countries during a major three-day international conference in Washington, DC, from November 3, 2008, to November 5, 2008, at the Capitol Hilton Hotel; coinciding with the U.S. Presidential Elections.


Governance, Democracy Assistance

Film Screening of Iron Ladies of Liberia

July 05, 2008

IFES screened this film regarding Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first elected female president and Africa’s first freely elected female head of state. The film explored the challenges facing the new presidency as new policy is developed and implemented to rebuild the country and prevent a descent back into civil war (www.pbs.org).

Gender Issues, Elections

Democracy and Political Finance in Yemen

July 05, 2008

IFES-Yemen will host a symposium covering political finance, parliamentary elections, suggestions for improving the political situation, and democracy promotion.

Political Finance, Democracy Assistance, Elections

National Stakeholder Workshop on Electoral Reform in Pakistan

June 21, 2008


On June 21, 2008, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and IFES successfully hosted the National Stakeholder Workshop on Electoral Reform in Pakistan. The event elicited direct feedback and recommendations from political parties and civil society organizations involved in electoral reform. This was the first time the ECP directly and collectively engaged stakeholders; a significant step forward for the ECP.


Political Parties, Civil Society, Democracy Assistance, Voter Registration, Elections

Political Islam and Democracy

May 14, 2008

IFES Program Manager Anthony Bowyer will discuss Islamic movements in Central Asia at the annual conference of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy.

Democracy Assistance

Sierra Leone Elections Retreat

January 09, 2008

IFES will hold a retreat for Sierra Leone's National Election Commission to assess the 2007 vote.

Voter Registration, Education, Elections

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