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Advocating for Gender Equality in Papua New Guinea

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:58:00 -0800

Papua New Guinea achieved a major milestone on November 24, 2011, with the passage of a bill that amends the Constitution to allow seats in the national parliament to be reserved for women. The Equality and Participation Bill, however, can only be implemented if an amendment to the Organic Law on Elections is passed by at least 75 percent of parliamentarians. To help local women’s organizations in their efforts to get this amendment passed, IFES implemented a training program to boost their skills in professional lobbying.

2011: A Year of Momentous Elections

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:05:13 -0800

2011 was a year of historic elections. From the referendum that brought independence to South Sudan, to the first free and fair elections in Tunisia and the first legislative election in 10 years in Cote d’Ivoire, the year was full of important polls and milestones for democracy. This gallery presents images of some of the elections around the world in which IFES had the privilege to be involved.

Another Step Forward: Parliamentary Elections in Côte d'Ivoire

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:09:09 -0800

Côte d'Ivoire held its first legislative elections in more than a decade on December 11. These elections will usher in the first democratically elected parliament since 2005, when the mandate of the parliament elected in 2000 expired. The elections are considered to be another step toward reconciliation for the West African nation.

Egypt's Historic Elections Begin

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:05:47 -0800

On November 28, Egyptians began voting in the first parliamentary elections since the January 25 revolution. November 28 marked the beginning of Phase I of the People’s Assembly elections; Phases II and III are set to take place in December and January, respectively. Voting for the Shura Council will commence on January 29 and end on March 11, also taking place in three phases. This parliament will be tasked with selecting the 100-person constitutional assembly that will draft Egypt’s constitution. The constitution will determine key issues in Egypt’s democratic transition such as procedures for electing the president, responsibilities of the executive branch, and rights and freedoms for all Egyptians.

Elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:53:00 -0800

On November 28, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) held presidential and legislative elections. IFES has been working in the DRC for over a decade, most recently with programs aimed at tackling corruption and building the capacity of civil society.

Guatemala's Historic Second Round

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:13:56 -0800

On 6 November, Guatemala held the runoff for its presidential election. The poll that was eventually won by Otto Pérez Perez Molina, a retired army general from the Patriotic Party (Partido Patriota, PP), had a record turnout for a second round vote. It also ushered in the first female vice president of Guatemala as both presidential candidates had a woman for a running mate. IFES assisted Guatemala’s election commission (Tribunal Supremo Electoral, TSE) in a number of efforts, including voter outreach, poll worker training and increasing electoral access for persons with disabilities.

Tunisia: Voting for the 'First' Time

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:16:01 -0700

Tunisia held the country’s first free and fair election on 23 October. Millions of Tunisians went to the polls to cast their ballots for the National Constituent Assembly, which will have one year to write a new constitution. Excitement was high as the country that ignited the Arab Spring was also the first of those countries to hold an election. The counting of ballots, which was done by poll workers, went on into the night as election observers watched the process.

Liberians Vote in Great Numbers

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:05:52 -0700

On 11 October, Liberia held its second election since the conclusion of the bloody civil war that lasted from 1999 to 2003. The first round of the presidential election featured 16 candidates, including incumbent President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. IFES staff visited a number of polling stations.

A Week in Cambodia

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:11:41 -0700

IFES’ Women’s Leadership program, conducted in five provinces across Cambodia the spring of 2011, sought to increase women’s personal development and leadership skills and knowledge of the election process. During the week of 14-21 September, some of the participants joined IFES staff in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to discuss what they have learned. This week coincided with the Pchum Ben festival, during which Cambodians pay their respect to deceased relatives, and the 2011 voter registration period, which IFES witnessed. This photo gallery compiles images from the week of 14-21 September in Phnom Penh.

Conversations and Films: Voter Education Efforts in Liberia

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:43:18 -0700

In an effort to increase awareness and knowledge on the 23 August constitutional referendum that was held in Liberia, IFES and 18 civil society organizations (CSOs) launched an extensive civic and voter education campaign. Posters were placed throughout Liberian towns and villages, outreach was performed for individuals across the country and a mobile cinema featuring a film on the changes that would be implemented by the referendum went on tour.

Remembering Charles T. Manatt

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:51:25 -0700

Manatt served as Chairman of IFES’ Board of Directors from 1993 to 1999 and was a distinct leader, with unwavering commitment to spreading democracy around the world and helping those who are less fortunate. He touched the lives of many, mentoring and befriending people at every stage of his distinguished career and with a keen interest in nurturing future political and business leaders. This gallery offers a few highlights of Manatt's work with IFES.

South Sudan's Journey to Independence

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:33:30 -0700

On July 9, the Republic of South Sudan becomes the world’s newest nation. Independence from Sudan is the result of years of conflict, an internationally mediated peace agreement and a peaceful popular vote for separation. Although violence continues throughout Sudan, the January 2011 referendum on independence for South Sudan marks a triumph of the democratic process. More than 97 percent of registered southern Sudanese voters cast ballots to determine their nation’s future. This photo gallery depicts the milestones along South Sudan’s path to independence.

Voter Registration in Nepal

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:21:26 -0700

In an effort to increase the quality of the Voter’s List and reduce the possibility of voter fraud, Nepal’s Election Commission began implementing a three-phase voter registration program in September 2010. The new registration process is computerized and, in addition to personal information, collects the registrant’s photos and fingerprints, marking the first time biometrics have been used in the voter registration process in Nepal. The new registration system is part of an effort to ensure more fair and credible elections.

Nigerians Vote in Multiple National Elections

Thu, 26 May 2011 10:33:22 -0700

Nigeria held a series of nationwide elections in April 2011, beginning with National Assembly polls on April 9 and a presidential election on April 16. Elections for state governors were held on April 26 in most parts of the country but delayed until April 28 in two states due to violence following the presidential vote. After registering to vote in January and February, Nigerians underwent a voter accreditation process in the morning of each election day before casting their ballots in the afternoon. Despite the considerable security challenges, the polls were considered generally fair and credible by international observers.

Voter Education in Haiti

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:07:30 -0700

After a close and controversial first-round presidential vote in November, on March 20 Haiti held a runoff election for its top two presidential candidates, Mirlande Manigat and Michel Martelly. As part of its technical assistance to the CEP, and in close coordination and cooperation with other partners, IFES organized a public information campaign reminding voters to check their registration information, confirm the location of their polling station and cast their ballots on Election Day.

2011 IFES Photography Contest

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:35:10 -0700

IFES’ third-annual Photography Contest drew nearly 500 entries from professional and amateur photographers from around the world. The democracy-themed competition showcases the many ways individuals worldwide demonstrate a sense of civic responsibility and call to action. Featured here are the winners and finalists from the two competition categories. The Public Category is open to all photographers ages 18 and older, and the IFES’ Choice Category is open only to current IFES employees.

IFES Observes Voter Registration in Nigeria

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:33:46 -0800

More than 65 million Nigerians registered to vote between January 15 and February 8 for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in April. IFES conducted unofficial monitoring in the southern and northeastern regions of the country in order to give feedback on the registration process and results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. INEC experienced technical problems with the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines used to register voters and faced serious challenges deploying machines and registration workers across the country. However, at the end of the period, many civil society groups gave the exercise positive marks and Nigerians remained enthusiastic for the upcoming polls.

Southern Sudan: Referendum for Secession

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:07:12 -0800

Sunday, January 9 kicked off a week of voting in Southern Sudan on a referendum to determine whether it will secede from the north. The overall mood was jubilant as citizens fulfilled one of the points established during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which was signed on January 9, 2005 between the Government of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. The CPA expired on July 9, 2011. Final results from the referendum are expected to be released in late January and final results will be made public by February 14, 2011.

Southern Sudan Registers to Vote in the Referendum

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:04:37 -0800

An estimated 3.9 million Southern Sudanese registered in November and December 2010 to cast a ballot in the referendum occurring between January 9-15, 2011. The SSRC has established polling centers in the north and in eight countries (Australia, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the UK, and the USA) and the SSRB has established polling stations throughout Southern Sudan. As a key milestone of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the referendum will determine whether Sudan remains unified or if the ten states of Southern Sudan will secede. At least 60% of those registered to vote must cast a ballot for the results to be binding.

IFES Assists Kosovo with First-Ever Parliamentary Elections Since Independence

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:39:13 -0800

In cooperation with the Central Election Commission of Kosovo, IFES administered 14 alternative polling stations during the parliamentary elections on December 12, 2010. The parliamentary elections were Kosovo’s first since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008. The alternative polling stations were positioned in northern Kosovo where the Election Commission experienced difficulty recruiting for and opening regular polling centers. IFES arranged international teams of poll workers to staff the stations and help ensure proper handling of election materials before the votes were counted.

IFES’ 2010 U.S. Election Program

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:46:10 -0800

During every U.S. congressional and presidential election since 1992, IFES has held its U.S. Election Program. The three-day event brings together diplomats, parliamentarians and election officials from around the world to observe the voting process in the United States and exchange ideas and experiences on voting. This year’s program consisted of panel discussions, tours of polling stations in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland, and an evening reception at the House of Sweden during which the returns of the U.S. elections were followed. Ghanaian Electoral Commission Chairman Kwadwo Afari-Gyan was also presented IFES’ Joe C. Baxter Award for his extraordinary contributions to promoting democratic practices.

IFES Kicks Off BRIDGE Training in Niger

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 07:27:00 -0700

In September 2010, IFES hosted a showcase of BRIDGE training programs in Niger. The showcase introduced BRIDGE — which stands for Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections — to Nigerien elections officials and representatives from international partner organizations who will participate in more extensive training during the coming year. The professional development modules and activities that comprise BRIDGE have been used around the world to help local and national administrators develop the skills and abilities to carry out fair, efficient elections. IFES’ work with the Nigerien Commission Electoral Nationale Indepéndante (CENI) during the 2010-2011 election process marks the first time BRIDGE has been offered in Niger.

IFES 2010 Staff-Only Photography Contest

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:40:29 -0700

Our annual staff-only photography competition profiles the many ways staff support the organization’s mission. Featured here are the winners and finalists of three contest categories under the theme “IFES at Work”.

IFES will begin accepting submissions for next year’s staff-only contest on June 15, 2011.

U.S. Ambassador for Women’s Issues Visits IFES’ Garima Project in India

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 06:34:29 -0700

On September 14, 2010, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne S. Verveer visited the Garima project in New Delhi, India. Verveer helped launch the Garima project in November 2009 and returned to observe its progress during a recent visit to India. Garima, which means “dignity” in Hindi, works to enhance women’s participation in political, economic and social processes, encourage political advocacy, and curb practices such as gender-based violence, female feticide and child marriage. The project is implemented by IFES and Counterpart International and collaborates with several nongovernmental organizations in India.

IFES co-hosts Symposium to Spread Electoral Awareness in Egypt

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:18:48 -0700

On September 26, 2010, IFES and the Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ACPSS) hosted an Electoral Symposium to spread electoral awareness before the upcoming People’s Assembly elections in November, 2010. The event featured distinguished speakers from political parties, government officials, members of civil society and election experts. Among them were IFES consultants Lisa Kammerud and Bashar Eldeek , Country Director Charles Lasham, People’s Assembly and Taggamu’ Party Member Mr. Mohamed Abdelaziz Shaaban, former Minister of Sport and Youth Dr. Abdelahad Gamaluddin, President of Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ACPSS) Dr. Gamal Sultan and famous Egyptian journalist Ameena Shafiq . The event took place in the Ibrahim Nafei Hall, named after the renowned Egyptian journalist, at the Ahram main building in Cairo Downtown area. This symposium is part of IFES programming to provide a platform for Egyptian citizens to dialogue about electoral issues in Egypt.

IFES Presents the 2010 Manatt Democracy Awards

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:11:41 -0700

On September 28, 2010, IFES presented the 2010 Manatt Democracy Awards to Rep. David Obey (D-WI), Lebanon’s Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Ziyad Baroud, and former USAID Administrator Peter McPherson. The event was widely-attended by friends and supporters of the democracy movement.

IFES and Cairo University Host Event on Human Rights in Elections

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:18:06 -0700

On Sunday, August 29, 2010, IFES and the Faculty of Economics and Political Science (FEPS) at Cairo University hosted a workshop at the university featuring representatives of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR). The aim of the session was to discuss the role of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) in the election process in Egypt. The main speakers were Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Refaat and Dr. Nabel Ahmed Helmy, members of the NCHR; and Nahla El Madany, a TV reporter and presenter. More than 40 people attended the lively discussion. The event was filmed by two local television crews and footage of the workshop appeared on the local news.

Commemorating Democracy Day

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:16:34 -0700

September 15, the International Day of Democracy, gives us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to vote and to partake in our country’s political affairs. It is also a good time to remember that for many around the world, the right to vote is hard fought and elusive.

This photo gallery consists of images from around the world that capture the spirit and struggle for democracy.

The Philippines Registers for Local Elections

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 06:01:08 -0700

Following the presidential and legislative elections held in May, the Philippines will hold local elections on October 25, 2010. In these elections, Filipinos will vote for Barangay (village) and SK (youth council) representatives. Registration for these elections took place in August throughout the country. During the registration process, the registrants’ digital photo, thumbprints and digital signature are taken by the data-capturing machines or “DCMs”. The thumbprints are later used to conduct an automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) to find matches or “duplicate registrants” in order to avoid having voters cast more than two ballots on Election Day. These images capture the registration process in the Manila metropolitan area.

IFES Supports Civil Society Organizations in Advance of the 2010 People’s Assembly Elections in Egypt

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:47:16 -0700

IFES is supporting civil society organizations conducting voter education activities in advance of the 2010 People’s Assembly Elections in Egypt. During the month of August, IFES co-sponsored a workshop with the Al Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies for civil society organizations to discuss women’s political participation. In the month of April, IFES hosted a conference in partnership with the Cairo University’s Faculty of Economics and Political Science and NAS, an NGO that supports persons with disabilities, on access to electoral processes for persons with disabilities. The conference emphasized the importance of political participation among all members of society. It was attended by more than 60 representatives of civil society organizations from across Egypt.

Armenia Elections 2007: Voters with Disabilities

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:07:53 -0700

IFES is working to enfranchise Armenia’s 140,000 registered voters with disabilities. One USAID-funded project allowed IFES and local partners to build wheelchair ramps at nine polling places countrywide.

IFES in Ghana: Disabilities Project

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:06:29 -0700

IFES works to ensure that all can vote

Kyrgyzstan Votes to Adopt a New Constitution

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:40:02 -0700

On Sunday, 27 June 2010 Kyrgyzstan held a referendum to consider adopting a new constitution. The referendum, administered by a new (interim) Central Election Commission (CEC), was held just 80 days after the violent overthrow of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and just weeks after a violent ethnic clash between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in the south of the country. With a near 70% turnout, voters overwhelmingly approved changes to the constitution affecting the electoral system, the separation of powers, the judicial system, human rights, and local self-government. With the changes Kyrgyzstan is set to become Central Asia’s first parliamentary republic, though the serious work of implementation lay ahead.

IFES Employees Serving in the Community

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:05:26 -0700

IFES staff spends many hours in service each year at the Capital Area Food Bank. Their efforts help address hunger in the Washington, D.C. community.

Guinea’s Presidential Elections Raise High Hopes for the Future

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:01:00 -0700

On Sunday June 27th Guineans will elect their President. With 24 candidates and around 12 favorites, these presidential elections will be the very first real elections in 50 years. It is hoped that they will help Guinea to return to constitutional order and progressively climb the steps towards democracy. The pictures taken by Kamissa Camara, Program Coordinator for the Africa Department, provide a glimpse into the different preparations that have been taking place during the months leading up to the elections, in Conakry and in the interior of the country.

Helping Persons with Disabilities Vote

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:03:00 -0700

Throughout the years, IFES programs across the world have worked on projects to help those with disabilities gain access to the election process. These projects include efforts to form policy about the right for those with disabilities to vote and campaigns to assist disabled voters on polling day. Here are examples of some of IFES’s past efforts across the world to increase election access for the disabled.

Burundians Vote in Communal Elections

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:10:16 -0700

On May 24, 2010, communal elections, the first in a series of polls that will take place in Burundi this summer, were held. This series of elections are the first to be implemented in Burundi since the rebels laid down their arms and ended years of civil war. The district elections are considered to be crucial for the consolidation of peace in the war-ravaged country. They are seen a barometer for the electoral period which will include presidential, legislative and local elections by September 2010.

Sudan’s First Vote After Peace Agreement

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:06:00 -0700

From April 11 to 15, 2010, Sudan’s citizens turned out to vote in the first nationwide election held since 1986. The election, a key milestone of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), marked the first time the vast majority of Sudanese had ever voted and served as an important opportunity for those in the south and Abyei to practice this civic duty in anticipation of the next CPA milestones: the January 2011 Referendum on Southern Sudan’s independence and Abyei Referendum. Nationally, Omar Hassan al-Bashir was re-elected as President of Sudan with 68% of the vote, and in the South, Salva Kiir Mayardit was re-elected as President of Southern Sudan with just shy of 93% of Southern Sudan’s vote.

Election Day in Tbilisi, Georgia

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:58:32 -0700

Throughout the month of May, Georgia prepared for elections to choose representatives to local councils (sakrebulos) as well as the mayor of the capital city of Tbilisi. This represents the first time that voters would directly elect a mayor. IFES contributed to pre-election preparations through a number of initiatives, including sponsoring live television debates featuring the Tbilisi mayoral candidates; supporting local organizations to get out the vote, produce debates, and observe the election; facilitating a Memorandum of Understanding on the Abuse of Administrative Resources; producing voter education posters, leaflets, and T-shirts; and other activities. Election Day, May 30, 2010, was peaceful and orderly. The OSCE noted deficiencies in the electoral framework and the uneven playing field, but called these elections "evident progress" towards Georgia meeting its international commitments.

Lebanon 2010 Election Preparation

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 06:47:11 -0700

On 9th May 2010 Lebanon held elections across the muhafaza of Bekaa and Beirut. IFES worked with Ministry of Interior and Municipalities to ensure all electoral staff had uniforms, accreditation badges, polling manuals and displayed informational posters.

The Philippines Goes to the Polls

Wed, 12 May 2010 13:04:33 -0700

On May 10, 2010 Filipinos went to the polls to cast ballots for president, vice-president, senators, congressmen, governors, mayors and other key offices in their national and local election. For the first time ever, Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines were used nation-wide. These images, taken by John Lawrence, IFES congressional affairs manager, provide a glimpse into the preparations for Election Day and the polling day itself in the Manila metropolitan area.

Televised Candidate Debate in Tbilisi, Georgia

Wed, 12 May 2010 06:19:47 -0700

In anticipation of local elections at the end of the month, IFES organized and sponsored live, televised candidate debates for the post of mayor of Tbilisi, Georgia, together with Georgian Public Broadcasting. These debates represent a first in Georgian democracy – live debates featuring candidates running for office have never been produced before.

Iraqi Out-of-Country Voting in Washington

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:28:00 -0700

Out-of-country voting for the Iraqi election began on March 5, 2010 in 16 countries around the world. The Iraqi ambassador to the U.S., Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN)—an IFES board member, and IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney visited the polling station in Washington, DC. It is estimated that at least 2,500 Iraqis will vote at the DC polling station.

2010 IFES Photography Competition: Public Category