BRIDGE Training for Facilitators Takes Place in Burundi

December 06, 2010

Francophone BRIDGE facilitators are gathering in Bujumbura, Burundi for a two-week training starting on December 6 and concluding on the 17th. 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.

Civic Education, Democracy Assistance, Elections, Governance

Commemorating Democracy Day

September 15, 2010

Three years ago, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 15th as the International Day of Democracy. The preamble of the resolution affirmed that:

"while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region...
democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life."

Civil Society, Democracy Assistance

Commemorating Democracy Day

September 15, 2010

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.

Democracy Assistance, Civil Society

Amatora mu Mahoro: Système de monitoring des principes démocratiques et de prévention de la violence électorale 5

April 26 - September 12, 2010

Le Projet Amatora Mu Mahoro est une initiative commune d’une dizaine organisations nationales et internationales dont l’objet était le monitoring des principes démocratiques et la prévention de la violence électorale.

Democracy Assistance, Election Disputes, Civil Society, Post-conflict, Voting Technology

Amatora mu Mahoro: Système de monitoring des principes démocratiques et de prévention de la violence électorale 4

July 5 - August 15, 2010

Le quatrième rapport Amatora Mu Mahoro (AMM), présente une analyse des incidents et des indicateurs de violence électorale, ainsi que des initiatives de paix, survenus sur l’ensemble du territoire burundais pendant la période du 5 juillet au 15 août 2010.

Democracy Assistance, Election Disputes, Civil Society, Post-conflict, Voting Technology

A Review of Burundi’s Legislative Elections

July 29, 2010

Burundi legislative elections were held as scheduled on July 23, 2010 and were the third of a series of five polls to take place in the country from May to September 2010. Seven political parties and two independents took part in the July 23 poll in which Burundians were called to elect 100 representatives.

Elections, Electoral Systems, Political Parties, Post-conflict

Amatora mu Mahoro: Système de monitoring des principes démocratiques et de prévention de la violence électorale 3e

May 30 - July 4, 2010

Le troisième rapport Amatora Mu Mahoro (AMM), présente une analyse des incidents et des indicateurs de violence électorale, ainsi que des initiatives de paix, survenus sur l’ensemble du territoire du Burundi pendant la période du 31 mai au 4 juillet 2010. L’analyse faite des données fournies par les Points focaux du projet AMM permet de conclure que la fréquence des incidents dans les provinces a diminué, passant de 262 cas d’incidents répertoriés dans le second rapport (période du 26 avril – 30 mai) à 180 pour le présent rapport.

Democracy Assistance, Election Disputes, Civil Society, Post-conflict, Voting Technology

Presidential Elections in Burundi

July 01, 2010

The first round of presidential elections took place in Burundi on June 28, 2010. These were the second set of polls this year; communal elections took place on May 24. These elections are the first time Burundians go to the polls since the rebels laid down their arms after years of civil war. IFES carried out a far-reaching program to prevent a return to violence as candidates competed for seats.

Elections, Post-conflict, Voter Turnout, Election Observation, Election Procedures

Burundi’s Slow Walk towards Democracy

June 23, 2010

On 28 June, Burundians will go to the polls and vote in a presidential election far different from what was expected just over a month ago. They will be given the option of voting either for or against a single candidate, the current president, Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza.

Elections, Electoral Systems

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